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The  Automobile 
Handbook 


A    Manual  of  Practical  Information 

for  Automobile  Owners,  Repair 

Men  and  Schools 

Lf  ELLIOTT  BROOKES 


Revised  and  Enlarged  By 

HAROLD  P.  MANLY 

Author  of  "Automobile  Starting  and 
Lighting.** 


Subjects  Arranged  in  Alphabetical  Order  and 

Indexed 


FULLY  ILLUSTRATED 


CHICAGO 
FREDERICK  J.  DRAKE  &  CO. 

Publishers 


Copyright  1918  and  1916 
By   FREDERICK   J.   DRAKE   &  CO. 
Copyright,    1905,    1907,    1910    and    1913 
By   FREDERICK  J.   DRAKE  &  CO., 

CHICAGO. 


Preface  to  Fifth  Edition. 

The  reason  for  the  present  complete  revision 
of  Brookes^  Automobile  Handbook  is  found  in 
the  automobile  industry  itself,  in  the  radical 
changes  and  remarkable  developments  that  have 
taken  place.  The  new  principles,  new  types  of 
construction  and  the  changes  in  operating  con- 
ditions have  affected  every  part  of  the  car.  For 
this  reason  it  has  been  considered  advisable,  not 
only  to  supplement  existing  information  with  de- 
scriptions of  new  products,  but  to  treat  every 
subject  presented  from  the  standpoint  of  pres- 
ent-day ideas  and  developments  so  that  the  user 
may  not  be  confused  by  statements  that  appar- 
ently conflict,  as  would  be  the  case  if  the  revision 
had  ended  with  the  addition  of  new  data. 

A  glance  at  present  designs  discloses  many 
changes,  among  them  being  the  decrease  in 
cylinder  diameters  and  the  increase  in  number 
of  cylinders  from  four  and  six  to  eight  and 
twelve ;  the  growing  popularity  and  importance 
of  the  sliding  sleeve  engine ;  the  modern  methods 
of  battery  ignition  applied  to  high  speed  en- 
gines ;  the  development  and  adoption  of  vacuum 
fuel  feed,  and  many  other  details  of  equal 
importance. 

The  universal  use  of  electric  lighting  and 
engine  starting  devices  has  made  this  subject  of 

5 


6  The  Automobile  Handbook 

importance  second  to  none,  and  the  present  edi- 
tion therefore  covers  the  details  of  construction 
and  operation  of  all  existing  types  and  makes 
that  are  in  common  use.  With  the  use  of  the 
electric  generating  system  operated  from  the 
car's  engine  has  come  the  electric  gear  shift; 
and  along  similar  lines,  though  independent  in 
conception,  the  magnetic  transmission. 

Due  to  the  fact  that,  for  so  many  years, 
Brookes'  Automobile  Handbook  has  been  the 
recognized  authority  in  this  field,  the  arrange- 
ment of  subject  matter  has  not  been  altered  and 
nothing  has  been  omitted  that  caused  the  pre- 
ceding editions  to  attain  their  popularity.  The 
size  of  the  volume  has  been  kept  within  reason- 
able limits  because  of  the  fact  that  the  infor- 
mation given  has  been  presented  in  the  smallest 
possible  space  through  the  free  use  of  illustra- 
tions and  the  formulation  of  definite  rules  for 
care  and  adjustment  of  devices  used  for  ignition 
and  carburetion. 

An  examination  of  the  pages  will  show  that 
no  subject  of  importance  to  owners  or  repair- 
men has  been  omitted,  while  details  for  the 
proper  upkeep  and  care  of  each  component  of 
the  modern  gasoline  automobile  have  been  given. 
Suggestions  from  users  will  be  welcomed  to  the 
end  that  the  publishers  may  always  keep  the 
value  of  the  Handbook  up  to  the  high  mark 
attained  in  the  past. 


INTRODUCTION 

Progress  in  the  automobile  industry  in  the  United 
States  during  the  past  ten  years  has  been  phenomenal. 
The  mechanical  propulsion  of  a  wheeled  vehicle  along 
an  ordinary  road  is  not  by  any  means  a  new  idea. 
History  tells  us  that  speculations  upon  the  possible 
road  use  of  **fire,  and  steam  engines"  were  made  by 
Roger  Bacon  (1214-1294),  and  in  the  year  1619  a  pat- 
ent was  granted  in  England  to  Bamsay,  which  had  as 
a  part  of  its  subject  "drawing  carts  without  horses.'^' 
Many  attempts  were  made  from  that  time  on  to  perfect 
a  self-propelling  road  vehicle,  using  steam  as  the  pro- 
pelling force,  but  it  was  not  until  the  end  of  the  year 
1883  that  Delamare-Debouttville  constructed  what  is 
thought  to  be  the  first  gas  tricycle  which  actually  ran 
on  a  public  road.  The  general  employment  of  gasolino 
motors  is  due  to  two  Frenchmen,  Levassor,  and  Pan- 
bard,  who  in  1889  exhibited  in  Paris  a  tram  car  having 
a  Daimler  motor.  Since  then  the  development  of  the 
gasoline  motor  car  has  been  remarkable,  due  no  doubt 
to  the  fact  that  some  of  the  best  engineering  talent  in 
the  world  has  been,  and  is  at  present  being  directed 
toward  the  perfection  of  the  various  types  of  auto- 
mobiles, and  it  is  entirely  within  the  bounds  of  reason 
to  expect  that  a  machine  requiring  so  high  a  grade  of 
talent  for  its  design  and  construction,  should  in  its 
operation  be  under  the  care  of  a  skilled  and  reliable 
chauffeur,  one  who  not  only  understands  the  principles 
of  operation  of  each  and  all  of  the  various  parts 
which  go  to  make  up  the  whole,  but  who  also  is  com- 
petent in  case  of  minor  accidents  on  the  road,  to  make 
such  repairs  as  will  enable  him  to  proceed.  He  also 
should  be  able  to  make  such  adjustments,  and  give  the 
machine  such  care  as  to  reduce  the  expense  of  main- 
tenance to  a  minimum.  It  is  with  a  view  of  assisting 
owners  and  drivers  of  automobiles,  in  fact  all  who  are 
in  any  way  interested  in  a  study  of  this  remarkable, 
and  at  the  same  time  most  useful  machine,  that  the 
Automobile  Hand  Book  has  been  rewritten  and  revised, 
thus  bringing  it  strictly  up  to  date,  and  in  touch  with 
modern  practice  in  the  art  of  automobiling.     While  a 


8  The  Automobile  Handbook 

considerable  portion  of  the  subject  matter  found  i 
former  editions  of  the  book  has  been  retained  for  tl 
reason  that  it  is  standard,  by  far  the  larger  portion  < 
the  volume  is  new  matter,  and  embodies  the  most  recei 
improvements  in  automobiles,  together  with  instructioi 
concerning  their  care  and  operation.  Each  part  of  tl 
machine  is  thoroughly  treated  upon,  and  its  constru 
tion  and  the  principled' governing  its  operation  are  e: 
plained  and  illustrated  in  detail.  While  the  gasolii 
motor  with  its  various  accessories  naturally  occupi( 
the  major  portion  of  the  book,  still  a  considerab' 
space  is  devoted  to  steam,  and  electric  motor  car 
Special  attention  is  given  to  ignition  mechanism  h 
eluding  the  various  types  of  carbureters,  magneto 
etc.,  all  being  clearly  described  and  illustrated.  Tran 
mission  apparatus  of  all  kinds  is  dealt  with  in  detaj 
Wheel  construction  recfeiyes  a  large  share  of  attentio 
and  the  important  subject  of  tires  is  freely  discussc 
A  large  space  is  given  Itb  repair  work  in  the  she 
and  garage.  As  the  subject  of  state  license  laws  coi 
templating  the  appearance  of  the  chauffeur  before  a 
examining  board  is  one  in  which  all  motorists  ai 
vitally  interested,  this  book  will  prove  to  be  a  reliab! 
and  trustworthy  guide  to  all  persons  taking  sue 
examinations. 

Note — The  author  gratefully  acknowledges  his  ii 
debtedness  to  the  following  named  gentlemen,  coi 
suiting  engineers,  and  authors  of  standard  works  o 
engineering  subjects: 

Oscar  C.  Schmidt,  consulting  editor  American  Tes 
Book  Co.,  author  of  Practical  Treatise  on  Automobilei 

Paul  N.  Hasluck,  author  of  Construction  of  Moder 
Motor  Cars. 

The  International  Text  Book  Company,  Scranton. 


-iJ 


The  Automobile  Handbook. 


Acetylene  Gas.  The  gas  used  in  gas  lamp;s 
is  generated  by  water,  in  minute  quantities, 
dropping  on  acetylene  (carbide  of  calcium); 
the  gas  thus  formed  pasSfes  from  the  generating 
chamber  into  the  body  of  the  lamp  and  is  con- 
sumed at  the  lava  tips,  which  are  placed  in 
front  of  a  highly  polished  mirror.  The  genera- 
tors in  some  cases  are  separated  from  the  lamp 
itself  and  placed  on  the  dashboard,  or  under  the 
hood,  a  rubber  hose  conveying  the  gas  to  the 
lamp. 

The  interior  of  the  carbide  chamber  or  bas- 
ket being  more  or  less  in  contact  with  the  water 
distribution  apparatus,  the  parts  of  both  appa- 
ratus are  liable  to  clogging  by  the  formation  of 
lime  residue  in  the  generation  of  gas.  If  this 
residue  is  allowed  to  collect,  it  will  have  to  be 
removed  with  a  chisel,  which  is  a  ticklish  opera- 
tion in  a  light  construction  like  that  of  a  gen- 
erator, especially  around  the  water  valve  or 
its  outlet.  Acids  are  sometimes  used  to  remove 
the  deposit,  but  as  they  eat  the  metal,  their  use 
should  be  prohibited.  The  basket  and  pot 
should  be  thoroughly  washed  out  after  each  run 

9 


10  The  Automobile  Handbook 

with  water,  the  water  outlets  being  cleaned 
with  special  brushes,  when  these  are  obtaina- 
ble, or  by  wires,  removing  all  traces  of  lime. 
The  water  valve  should  be  scraped  and  tested 
to  see  whether  it  seats  properly,  care  being 
taken  not  to  damage  the  valve  or  its  seat  in  so 
doing.  While  the  valve  is  dismounted  for  clean- 
ing it  would  be  well  to  see  that  its  stem  is 
straight,  and  that  it  works  with  some  ease  in  the 
threaded  portion  attached  to  the  water  chamber. 
The  gas  valves  should  be  cleaned  and  should 
seat  snugly,  so  that  there  will  be  no  leakage 
past  them.  This  applies  also  to  the  gas  valves 
on  the  lamps. 

The  best  position  for  the  generator  is  on  the 
runlfing-board  just  back  of  the  change-gear 
quadrant,  and  sufficiently  far  out  from  the 
frame  to  allow  a  free  circulation  of  air  ail 
around  it.  The  generator  will  keep  cool  in  this 
position  and  will  perform  its  work  to  the  best 
advantage  when  properly  cooled. 

The  system  of  acetylene  gas  lighting  that  is 
generally  used  on  cars  having  this  source  of 
illumination  is  that  making  use  of  tanks  in 
which  the  gas  is  stored  under  compression. 
These  tanks  are  designed  to  hold  40,  60  or  100 
cubic  feet  of  gas  and  from  them  the  illumin- 
ant  is  carried  to  the  various  lamps  through 
tubing.  Attachments  are  furnished  by  means 
of  which  the  lairfps  may  be  lighted,  dimmed  or 
extinguished  from  valves  and  buttons  located 
en  the  dash  or  cowl  of  the  car. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  11 

Acetylene  Lamp  System — Care  of.  As  there 
is  little  night  running  during  the  winter 
months,  the  acetylene  lighting  system  is  more 
or  less  neglected,  the  generator  being  left  with 
stale  or  partially  used  carbide  in  the  chamber, 
and  the  residue  being  allowed  to  clog  up  the 
water  port  and  the  waste  ports.  The  rubber 
lamp  connections  and  gas-bag  suffer  also  by  de- 
terioration as  well  as  the  burners  and  gas 
valves.  For  the  proper  maintenance  of  the  sys- 
tem, strict  cleanliness  should  be  maintained  at 
all  times,  and  the  various  parts  should  be  ex- 
amined and  replaced  from  time  to  time  as  nec- 
essary. The  results  of  neglect  are  seen  every 
spring  in  lime  deposits  which  have  to  be  rpn^ov- 
ed  by  means  of  a  cold  chisel,  in  porous  connec- 
tions and  in  clogged  burners  which  resist  the 
cleaning  wire  and  necessitate  the  scraping  of 
the  burners.  By  following  the  accompanying 
directions,  the  automobilist  can  depend  on  hav- 
ing his  lighting  system  in  good  shape  whenever 
he  desires  to  use  it. 

Add  Solutions.  The  electrolyte,  or  solution 
used  in  storage  battery  cells,  is  made  by  pour- 
ing sulphuric  acid  into  distilled  water  until  the 
specific  gravity  becomes  1.25.  The  solution  be- 
comes extremely  warm  and  should  not  be  used 
until  its  temperature  is  about  60  degrees. 

Active  Coil,  or  Conductor,  A  coil,  or  con- 
ductor, conveying  a  current  of  electricity. 

Adams  Revolving  Cylinder  Motor.  The 
Adams  motor  rated  at  50  horse  power  has  a  five 


12  The  Automobile  Handbook 

cylinder  engine  with  a  bore  and  stroke  of  5^ 
and  5  inches.  In  this  motor  the  crankshaft  is 
mounted  vertically  and  has  but  one  throw,  the 
same  as  ordinarily  used  for  a  single-cylinder 
engine.  This  crankshaft  is  stationary — ^it  never 
revolves,  but  the  five  cylinders  revolve  around 
it,  as  does  the  front  wheel  of  a  motor  car  on 
the  steering  spindle.  The  car  is  without  a  radi- 
ator, being  an  air-cooled  machine;  as  the  mo- 
tor cylinders  revolve,  a  cooling  fan  is  not 
needed.  It  is  without  a  muffler,  each  cylinder 
exhausting  directly  into  a  box  which  incloses 
the  motor.  The  motor  is  directly  above  the 
transmission  set,  and  as  the  motor  is  without 
a  flywheel  of  any  sort,  it  has  been  necessary  for 
the  designer  to  carry  the  double  cone  clutch 
within  the  selective  gear  set.  The  drive  from 
the  revolving  cylinders  to  the  gear-set  is 
through  a  bevel  gear  attached  to  the  base  of 
the  revolving  crank  case,  and  which  meshes 
with  a  bevel  gear  on  one  of  the  transverse 
shafts  of  the  transmission.  From  the  transmis- 
sion to  the  rear  axle,  a  chain  drive  is  employed. 
This  car  is  without  a  float  feed  carbureter,  but 
uses  instead,  a  pump  to  maintain  a  gasoline 
level  in  a  chamber  in  which  a  spraying  nozzle 
and  an  air  valve  complete  the  carbureter.  In- 
stead of  controlling  the  motor  speed  by  advanc- 
ing or  retarding  the  spark,  and  opening  and 
closing  the  throttle,  it  is  done  by  controlling 
the  length  of  time  each  intake  valve  is  held 
open.    This  motor  has  but  one  cam  to  open  a2 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


13 


of  the  ten  valves.  This  earn  being  in  two  parts, 
it  is  possible  to  shift  one,  thereby  varying  the 
length  of  opening  given  a  valve,  and  allowing 
a  part  of  the  mixture  drawn  into  a  cylinder  to 
escape  during  a  compression  strobe,  so  that  the 
explosive  pressure  can  be  varied  from  90  lbs, 
to  0,  and  the  power  of  the  motor,  and  its  speed 


.-  w 

Fig.  \ 
Sectional  View  of  Adams  Motor 

correspondingly  varied.  There  is  no  branching 
manifold  to  convey  the  mixture  to  ths  cylin- 
ders, neither  is  there  an  exhaust  manifold. 

In  Fig.  1  is  a  sectional  view  of  the  motor  with 
its  five  cylinders  designated  respectively  1,  2,  3, 
4  and  5,  with  five  pistons  shown  in  relative  po- 
sition. The  crankshaft  A  has  its  one  offset  B. 
As   each   cylinder  makes,  in  unison  with  the 


14 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


other  four,  two  complete  revolutions,  it  passes 
through  the  four  cycles  of  operation  common 
to  any  four-cycle  engine — ^inspiration,  compres- 
sion, explosion,  exhaust.  No.  4  cylinder  is 
shown  at  the  end  of  the  out  stroke,  and  the 
other  four  at  different  parts  of  the  stroke ;  and 
as  each  in  succession  occupies  the  position  of 


Fig.  2 

Cam  Diagram — ^Adams  Revolving  Cylinder  Motor 

No.  4,  its  piston  will  be  at  the  end  of  the  out 
fltroke.  When  diametrically  opposite  to  No.  4 
they  will  be  at  the  inner  end  of  the  stroke. 
Thus,  as  the  five  cylinders  bolted  firmly  to- 
gether  to  a  hublike  crankcase  revolve,  the  pis- 
tons reciprocate  in  the  cylinders,  thus  perform- 
ing in  perfect  sequence,  the  four  functions  of 
cycling.    The  valves  are  located  in  the  cylinder 


.  The  Automobile  Handbook  15 

heads  and  opened  by  rocker  arms  with  push 
rods  paralleling  the  cylinders  on  their  lower 
sides.  One  diagram  illustrates  the  single  cam 
construction  and  valve  operation.  On  the  lower 
end  of  the  crankshaft  is  the  two-part  cam  C, 
CI — ^Pig.  2.  The  latter,  shown  in  dotted  line, 
is  the  movable  half  for  controlling  the  intake 
Talve  period  of  opening.  Both  parts  of  the 
cam  are  stationary.  On  each  of  the  five  cylin- 
ders is  a  push  rod  P,  the  inner  end  of  which  has 
a  peculiar  foot  P2  pivoted  on  the  crankcase 
with  the  curve  portion  bearing  upon  the  cam, 
and  the  short  straight  arm  connected  with  the 
push  rod  P.  As  the  cylinder  revolves,  the 
rounded  foot  follows  the  contour  of  the  cam, 
which  has  been  designed  so  that  the  four  cycles 
follow  one  another  in  order  as  they  do  in  a  four- 
cycle vertical  engine. 

The.  principles  of  construction  and  opera- 
tion of  the  motor  just  described  are  similar  to 
those  found  in  aeronautical  work,  such  as  the 
Gnome  and  other  types  of  revolving  motors.  In 
all  of  these  types  the  crankshaft  is  stationary 
and  the  cylinder  unit  revolves.  The  power  for 
driving  is  secured  by  connections  on  the  cylin- 
ders. As  a  general  rule,  these  revolving  motors 
are  started  from  rest  by  revolving  the  propeller 
blades  by  hand  until  the  first  firing  stroke  is 
secured.  The  valve  mechanism  will  differ  ac- 
cording to  the  make  of  motor.  In  many  cases 
the  fuel  mixture  is  introduced  through  hollow 
shafts  and  castings  leading  to  the  cylinders. 


16 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Air.  Air  consists,  by  weight,  of  oxygen  77 
parts  and  nitrogen  23  parts;  by  volume,  of  21 
parts  oxygen  and  79  parts  nitrogen.  One  pound 
of  air  at  atmospheric  pressure,  and  70  degrees, 
Fahr.,  occupies  13.34  cubic  feet  of  space.  One 
cubic  foot  of  air  weighs  1  1-7  ounces. 


TABLE  1. 

PROPERTIES    OF   COMPRESSED   AIR 


Oomp.  in 
Atmo» 
pheres. 


*Mean 
Pressure. 


Temp,  in^ 

Degt^s 

Fah. 


*<}augQ 
Pres- 
sure. 


'Absolute 
Pressure. 


'Isother- 
mal Pres- 
sure. 


1 

1.68 

2.02 

2.36 

2.70 

3.04 

3.38 

3.72 

4.06 

4.40 

4.74 

5.08 

5.42 

5.76 

6.10 


0 

7.62 
10.33 
12.62 
14.59 
16.34 
17.92 
19.32 
20.57 
21.69 
22.76 
23.78 
24.75 
25.67 
26.55 


60 

0 

14.7 

145 

10 

24.7 

178 

15 

29.7 

207 

20 

34.7 

234 

25 

39.7 

252 

30 

44.7 

281   , 

35 

49.7 

302 

40 

54.7 

324 

45 

59.7 

339 

50 

64.7 

357 

55 

69.7 

375 

60 

74.7 

389 

65 

79.7 

405 

70 

84.7 

420 

75 

89.7 

30.39 

39.34 

48.91 

59.05 

69.72 

80.87 

92.49 

104.53 

116.99 

129.84 

143.05 

156.64 

170.58 

184.83 


♦In  pounds  per  square  inch. 

Air  Properties  of  Compressed.  Table  1  gives 
the  Mean  pressure.  Temperature  in  degi'ees 
Fahr.,  Gauge  pressure.  Absolute  pressure  and 
the  Isothermal  or  heat  pressure  of  air  under 
compression  of  from  I'to  6.10  atmospheres. 

As  energy  in  the  form  of  power  must  be  used 
to  compress  air  to  any  desired  pressure,  so  is 
energy  in  the  form  of  latent  or  stored  heat 
given  up  by  the  air  during  the  operation  of 
compression.  This  heat  consequently  increases 
the  pressure  resulting   from  the   compression, 


The  Automobile  Handbook  17 

but  not  directly  in  proportion  to  the  degree  of 
compression  in  atmospheres. 

This  increase  of  pressure  above  the  Adiabatic 
or  calculated  pressure  is  known  as  the  Isother- 
mal or  heat-pressure.  As  the  values  of  this 
pressure  cannot  be  calculated  by  the  use  of 
ordinary  mathematics,  but  involve  the  use  of 
logarithms,  Table  1  gives  these  values  for  each 
degree  of  compression  given. 

Many  persons  who  are  not  familiar  with  the 
properties  of  gases,  estimate  the  pressure  re- 
sulting from  the  compression  to  a  given  number 
of  atmospheres,  as  the  number  of  atmospheres 
multiplied  by  the  atmospheric  pressure,  which 
at  sea  level  is  taken  as  14.7  pounds  per  square 
inch. 

This  assumption  is  erroneous  and  will  often 
lead  to  grievous  mistakes  in  motor  design, 
generally  giving  too  much  compression,  which 
results  in  premature  ignition,  commonly  known 
as  backfiring.  Such  methods  of  calculation 
would  be  true  if  the  air,  after  -compression,  was 
stored  in  a  reservoir  and  allowed  to  cool,  but 
under  no  other  conditions. 

Air,  Relation  of  to  Gasoline.  Owing  to  the 
fact  that  automobile  gasoline  is  composed  of 
various  percentages  of  the  several  available 
fractions  of  hydrocarbon  distillates,  it  is  not 
possible  to  fix  an  exact  basis  for  the  relative 
proportions  of  air  to  fuel.  However,  the  aver- 
age carbureter  is  capable  of  altering  the  ratio 
of  air  to  fuel  over  broad  ranges,  and  it  is  not 
necessary  to  know  the  exact  ratio  in  order  to 


18  The  Automobile  Handbook 

attain  the  best  results.  But  it  is  necessary  to 
approximate  an  average  ratio  as  nearly  as  pos- 
sible in  designing  and  adjusting  carbureters  in 
order  to  allow  for  these  variations  up  and 
down. 

The  mixture  becomes  explosive  when  10,000 
volumes  of  air  dilute  one  volume  of  gasoline, 
but  the  best  results  follow  when  the  ratio  is 
one  volume  of  liquid  gasoline  to  8,000  volumes 
of  air.  With  one  of  gasoline  to  3,500  of  air  the 
mixture  is  non-explosive. 

The  proper  proportions,  from  a  theoretical 
standpoint,  are  not  always  best  for  practical 
use  because  a  mixture  slightly  weaker  than  the 
one  found  by  calculation  is  more  economical  in 
the  use  of  gasoline.  Such  a  mixture,  of  course, 
reduces  the  power  slightly,  but  the  proportion 
of  power  lost  is  much  less  than  the  proportion 
of  gasoline  saved.  Because  of  the  differences  in 
speed  of  the  mixture  and  the  differences  in  the 
volume  being  admitted  to  the  engine,  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  secure  a  proportion  that  will  be 
uniformly  satisfactory  over  a  range  of  all  engine 
speeds.  A  larger  volume  of  mixture,  at  a  slow 
speed,  may  be  required  in  ascending  a  hill  at 
ten  miles  per  hour  than  in  traveling  on  a  level 
road  at  three  times  this  speed.  In  the  latter 
case,  the  velocity  of  the  mixture  will,  however, 
be  much  greater.  It  is  best  to  secure  a  mixture 
that  will  give  satisfactory  results  from  the 
standpoint  of  power  at  low  and  medium  speeds 
rather  than  at  high. 


The  Automobile  Hamdbook  19 

Air,  Relation  of  in  Gasoline  Mixture.  Gas- 
oline is  a  somewhat  uncertain  mechanical  mix- 
ture of  several  hydrocarbon  (fractional)  distil- 
lates, in  which  the  compound  *'hexane''  is  sup- 
posed to  be  the  major  portion.  This  compound 
answers  to  the  formula  €«  Hj^,  the  products  of 
combustion  of  which  will  be  C  O2  +  C  0  +  HgO, 
in  which  C  O  will  not  be  found  if  the  combus- 
tion is  complete.  A  final  expression  of  complete 
combustion  will  be  as  follows : 

2  CeHi,  X  19  O2  =  12  C  O2  +  14  H2  0. 
Taking  into  account  the  atomic  weight  of  the 
elements,  the  volume  of  air  required  in  the  com- 
plete combustion  of  1  pound  of  hexane  may  be 
set  down  as  follows — atomic  weight  of  the  ele- 
ments involved: 

Carbon    (C) : 12 

Hydrogen    (H) 1 

Oxygen    (0) 16 

The  molecular  weight  of  C^  H14  =  6  X  12  + 
14X  1  =  86 ;  the  required  oxygen  will  weigh 
(molecular)  19X16  =  304;  the  ratio  of  the 
compound  hexane,  then,  to  the  combining  oxy- 
gen will  be 

304 

Ratio  = =  3.54,  nearly. 

86 
Considering  1  pound  of  hexane,  the  weight 
of  oxygen  required  for  its  complete  combustion 
will  be  equal  to  the  ratio  as  above  given,  i.e., 
3.54  pounds,  nearly. 

Since  the  oxygen  is  taken  from  the  air,  It  is 


20  The  Automobile  Handbook 

necessary,  tp.  consider  dry  air  in  the  attempt  to 
detern^ine  as  to  the  weight  of  the  same.  This 
air,  under  a  pressure  of  1  atmosphere,  and  at  a 
temperature  of  60  degrees  Fahrenheit  contains 
0.23  pounds  of  oxygen,  hence  the  required  air=; 

3.54 

— —  =z  15.39,  in  pounds. 
.23 

Afr  Resistance,  Horsepower  Required  to 
Overcome.  The  power  required  to  move  a  plane 
surface,  such  as  the  vertical  projection  of  an 
automobile,  against  the  air,  does  not  become  of 
much  importance  until  the  car  attains  a  speed 
of  10  to  12  miles  per  hour,  when  it  becomes  an 
important  factor. 

The  horsepower  required  to  propel  an  auto- 
mobile against  the  resistance  of  the  air  may  be 
approximately  calculated  by  the  following  for- 
mula. Let  V  be  the  velocity  of  the  car  in  feet 
per  second,  and  A  the  projected  area  of  the 
front  of  the  car  in  square  feet — this  may  be  as- 
sumed as  the  height  from  the  frame  to  the  top 
of  the  body  multiplied  by  the  width  of  the  seat 
at  the  floor  line  of  the  car — ^let  H.P.  be  the 
horsepower  required  to  overcome  the  air  re- 
sistance, then 

V^X  A 

H.P.= 

240,000 

To  simplify  the  use  of  the  above  formula, 
Table  2  gives  sDPeds  in  miles  per  hour  corre- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


21 


spending  to  their  respective  velocities  in  feet 
per  second  and  also  cubes  of  velocities  in  feet 
per  second. 

TABLE  2. 

CUBES  OF  VELOCITIES  IN  FEET  1»BB  SBCOND. 


Miles    per 

Hour  of 

Car. 


Feet  per 
Second. 


Cube  of 

"V  elocity 

in  Ft.  per 

Second. 


Miles  per 

Hour    orf 

Car. 


Feet  per 
Second, 


Cube  of 

Velocity 

In  Ft.  ler 

Second, 


10.2 
13.6 
17.2 
20.4 
27.2 


15 
20 
25 
30 
40 


3,375 

8,000 

15.625 

27,000 

64,000 


34.0 
40.0 
47.7 
54.4 
61.3 


50 
60 
70 
80 
90 


125,000 
2164)00 
343,000 
512,000 
729,000 


To  ascertain  approximately  the  horsepowei 
that  will  be  necessary  to  drive  a  car  against  8 
vrind  of  known  velocity,  the  speed  of  the  cai 
must  be  added  to  that  of  the  wind,  and  the  re- 
quired horsepower  may  be  found  either  by  use 
of  the  formula  given  or  by  reference  to  Table 
3,  which  gives  the  horsepower  per  square  foot 
of  projected  surface  required  to  propel  a  cai 
against  the  resistance  of  the  air,  with  varying 
speeds  in  miles  per  hour  or  velocities  in  feel 
per  minute. 

TABLE  3. 

HORSEPOWER  REQUIRED  PER  SQUARE  FOOT  OF   SURFACE,  TO  MOYB 
A    CAR   AGAINST    AIR   RESISTANCE. 


Miles  per 

Hour  of 

Car. 

• 

Feet  per 
Second. 

Horse- 
power per 
Square 
Foot  of 
Surface. 

Miles    per 

Hour  of 

Oar. 

Feet  per 
Second. 

Horse- 
power rer 
Square 
Foot  of 
Surface. 

.10 
15 
20 
25 
30 

14.7 
22.0 
24.6 
36.7 
44.0 

0.013 

0.44 

0.105 

0.205 

0.354 

40 
50 
60 
80 
100 

58.7 

73.3 

87.9 

117.3 

146.6 

0.84 
1.64 
2.83 
6.72 
13.12 

The  horsepower  given  by  the  formula  and 
Table  3  simply  refers  to  the  additional  power 


22  The  Automobile  Handbook 

necessary  to  overcome  air  resistance  and  not  to 
the  actual  power  required  to  propel  a  car  at  a 
given  speed ;  this  is  entirely  another  matter. 

Alcohol.  There  are  two  kinds  of  alcohol; 
methyl,  or  wood,  alcohol,  CH4O,  and  ethyl,  or 
grain,  alcohol,  CzELqO,  The  former  has  been 
found  objectionable  for  use  in  internal-combus- 
tion engines,  because  it  apparently  liberates 
acetic  acid,  which  corrodes  the  cylinders  and 
valves. 

As  alcohol  is  a  fixed  product,  and  the  same 
the  world  over,  it  has  a  great  advantage  as  a 
motive  power  over  gasoline  and  other  petro- 
leum products.  Denatured  alcohol  contains 
4,172  heat  units  per  pound  as  compared  to 
18,000  for  gasoline,  and,  as  its  cost  is  higher, 
this  fuel  would  not  seem  practicable  from  an 
economic  standpoint.  By  mixing  the  alcohol, 
however,  with  a  high  grade  of  gasoline,  its  price 
is  lowered,  and  the  number  of  heat  units  per 
pound  greatly  increased.  Mixtures  containing 
50  per  cent  alcohol  have  a  calorific  power  of 
11,086  heat  units  per  pound,  and  as  it  has  been 
found  by  numerous  tests  in  France  that  it  re- 
quires no  more  of  this  mixture  than  of  gasoline 
to  develop  a  certain  power,  its  efficiency  is  con- 
siderably greater,  reaching  a  value  of  24  per 
cent  as  compared  to  16  for  the  gasoline  motor. 
In  some  recent  experiments  in  France  with  a 
motor  specially  constructed  for  the  use  of  alco- 
hol, the  consumption  was  lowered  to  0.124  pound 


The  Automobile  Handbook  23 

# 

per  horse  power,  using  50  per  cent  earburetted 
alcohol. 

Grain,  or  ethyl,  alcohol  has  a  specific  gravity 
of  .795,  and  may  be  obtained  by  distillation 
from  corn,  wheat,  and  other  grains,  potatoes, 
molasses,  or  anything  containing  sugar  or 
starch.  When  pure,  it  absorbs  water  rapidly 
from  the  air,  more  rapidly  in  fact  than  it  loses 
its  own  substance  by  evaporation;  but  when 
diluted  to  the  proportion  of  about  85  per  cent, 
alcohol  and  15  per  cent,  water,  it  evaporates 
practically  as  if  it  were  a  single  liquid  and  not 
a  mixture.  In  France,  it  is  denatured  for  mo- 
tor purposes  by  the  addition  of  10  liters  of  90^ 
wood  alcohol,  and  500  grams  of  heavy  benzine, 
to  100  liters  of  90°  ethyl  alcohol.  In  Germany, 
benz6l  is  added  to  the  extent  of  15  per  cent,  for 
denaturing,  no  wood  alcohol  being  used.  In 
the  United  States  the  so-called  "denatured" 
alcohol,  which  is  that  used  in  the  arts  and  in- 
dustries, is  composed  of  ethyl  or  grain  alcohol, 
to  which  have  been  added  certain  diluents  cal- 
culated to  make  it  unfit  for  drinking.  The  In- 
ternal Revenue  regulations  specify  that  to  100 
volumes  of  ethyl  alcohol  there  must  be  added 
10  volumes  of  methyl  (wood)  alcohol  and  one- 
half  of  one  volume  of  benzine,  or  to  the  same 
quantity  of  ethyl  alcohol  n:ust  be  added  2  vol- 
umes of  wood  alcohol  and  one-half  of  one  vol- 
ume of  pyridine  bases. 

As  compared  with  gasoline  as  a  fuel  for  in- 


24  The  Automobile  Handbook  . 

ternal-combustion  motors,  alcohol  exhibits  sev- 
eral striking  peculiarities. 

First,  the  combustion  is  much  more  likely  to 
be  complete.  A  mixture  of  90°  alcohol  vapor 
and  air  will  burn  completely  when  the  propor- 
tion varies  from  1  of  the  vapor  with  10  of  air 
to  1  of  the  vapor  with  25  of  air,  thus  exhibiting 
a  much  wider  range  of  proportions  for  combusti- 
bility than  is  the  case  with  gasoline.  As  the 
combustion  is  complete,  the  exhaust  is  practi- 
cally odorless,  consisting  only  of  water  vapor 
and  carbon  dioxide. 

Second,  the  inflammability  of  an  alcohol  mix- 
ture is  much  lower.  This  is  due  partly,  no  doubt, 
to  the  presence  of  water  in  the  alcohol,  which 
is  vaporized  with  the  alcohol  in  the  engine  and 
must  be  converted  into  steam  at  the  expense  of 
the  combustion. 

For  these  reasons,  the  compression  of  an  al- 
cohol mixture  is  carried  far  above  that  permis- 
sible with  a  gasoline  mixture,  without  danger 
of  spontaneous  ignition.  The  rapidity  of  com- 
bustion of  alcohol  in  an  engine  is  considerably 
less  than  that  of  a  gasoline  mixture,  and  for  this 
reason  the  speed  of  alcohol  engines  must  be 
somewhat  slow. 

The  facts  that  alcohol  of  sufficient  purity  for 
use  in  engines  can  be  produced  from  the  waste 
products  of  many  of  the  country's  industries, 
and  at  a  nominal  cost,  and  that  many  thousands 
of  acres  of  land,  unfit  for  the  cultivation  of 
first-class  grain,  etc.,  may  be  utilized  for  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  25 

production  of  vegetable  matter  rich  in  the  ele- 
ments which  form  alcohol  upon  fermentation, 
lead  to  the  supposition  that  within  a  few  years, 
or  as  soon  as  there  is  a  sufficient  demand  for 
alcohol  to  warrant  the  erection  of  special  dis- 
tilleries, it  may  be  purchased  at  such  a  low  price 
that  it  will  not  only  be  commercially  possible, 
but  will  in  a  measure  force  gasoline  and  other 
petroleum  distillates  from  the  field. 

A  carbureter  designed  to  operate  with  alcohol 
can  always  be  used  with  gasoline,  but  the  re- 
verse conditions  are  not  true,  that  is,  a  gasoline 
carbureter  will  not  operate  successfully  with 
alcohol,  except  in  some  rare  instances.  Alcohol 
evaporates  slower  than  gasoline  and  its  time  of 
combustion  is  much  slower,  but  it  maintains  its 
mean  effective  explosion  pressure  far  better 
than  gasoline. 

Explosive  motors  fitted  with  alcohol  carbu- 
reters make  far  less  noise  than  when  using  gaso- 
line as  a  fuel,  due  to  the  slower  burning  of  the 
explosive  charge,  they  also  make  less  smoke 
and  smell. 

The  jet  or  spray  of  a  float-feed  carbureter  will 
have  to  pass  nearly  40  per  cent,  more  liquid 
fuel  than  when  using  gasoline,  consequently  the 
opening  in  the  nozzle  must  be  proportionally 
larger. 

A  carbureter  using  alcohol  must  be  fitted  with 
some  form  of  device  to  heat  the  alcohol  to  en- 
sure rapid  evaporation — this  is  usually  done  by 


26  The  Automobile  Handbook  » 

surrounding  the  mixing-chamber  with  an  ex- 
haust-heated jacket. 

The  same  quantity  of  alcohol  will  only  take 
a  car  two-thirds  of  the  distance  that  gasoline 
will,  hence  greater  storage  capacity  would  be 
needed  on  a  car  using  alcohol  as  a  fuel. 

An  explosive  motor  designed  to  use  alcohol 
requires  a  greater  degree  of  compression  than  a 
motor  of  the  same  bore  and  stroke  designed  to 
use  gasoline,  in  order  to  develop  the  same 
power. 

Alternating  Current,  Use  of.  It  is  not  only 
useless  but  absolutely  injurious  to  attempt  t> 
charge^  a  storage  battery  directly  from  a:i  alter- 
nating current  circuit.  This  can  only  be  done 
by  means  of  a  rotary  converter,  which  is  in 
reality  a  motor-generator,  receiving  its  power 
from  the  alternating  current  and  transforming 
it  into  a  direct  current  which  can  be  used  to 
charge  the  batteries. 

Aluminum.  A  soft  ductile  malleable  metal, 
of  a  white  color,  approaching  silver,  but  with  a 
bluish  cast.  Very  non-corrosive.  Tenacity 
about  one-third  that  of  wrought  iron.  Specific 
gravity  2.6.  Atomic  weight  27.1.  It  is  the 
lightest  of  all  the  useful  metals,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  magnesium. 

Aluminoid,  Composition  and  Use  of.  Alu- 
minoid  is  composed  by  weight  of  60  parts  alu- 
minum, 30  parts  tin  and  10  parts  zinc.  It  has  a 
tensile  strength  of  about  18,000  pounds  and  is  a 
very  suitable  material  for  crank  chambers,  gear 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


27 


ceises  and  small  brackets,  bting  light,  extremely 
ductile  and  readily  machined. 

AliuniniUE  Solder,  The  following  formula  is 
±or  a  solder  which  will  work  equally  well  with 
filuminum  or  aluminoid :  Tin,  10  parts — cad- 
zaium,  10  parts — ^zine,  10  parts — lead,  1  part. 
The  pieces  to  be  soldered  must  be  thorouglily 
cleansed  and  then  put  in  a  bath  of  a  strong  solu- 
tion of  hyposulphate  of  soda  for  about  two 
hours  before  soldering. 

Alloys,  Composition  of.  The  proper  compo- 
sition of  alloys  of  metals  for  the  bearings  and 
other  parts  of  an  automobile  is  a  very  important 
.  consideration  from  a  constructive  standpoint. 
Table  4  gives  the  composition  of  various  alloys 
•  of  metals  and  also  solders  for  different  uses. 


S 

1 

1 

i' 

■5- 

i 

Brass,    foe   IlKht   work,    other  thaii 

BroBie  flaaiiiCT.  to  stana  liraKlHg. . . 

16 

i' 

I 

Metal    to    eipKad    Id    cooling,    tor 

2 

I 

■i 

1 

i 

I 

fipMu-v.    S..fl ....  ._.  . . 

' 

... 

... 

■■■ 

It  should  be  understood  that  no  definite  rule 
can  be  given  for  the  proportioning  of  any  one 
alloy  for  the  reason  that  a,  slight  change  in  the 


•£i 


The  Atitomobile  Handbook 


amount  of  one  or  more  of  the  elements  may 
the  metal  exactly  for  some  proposed  use,  wh 
porportion  only  slightly  different  might  give 
satisfactory  results. 

Ammeter,    Construction  of.    Ammeters 
automobile  use  are  constructed  on  the  princ 


of  the  D'Arsonval  galvanometer  with  a  per 
nent  magnetic  field.  The  special  feature  i 
small  oscillating  coil  mounted  on  cone-p 
bearings  surrounding  a  stationary  armal 
which  is  centrally  located  between  thp  ji 
pieces  of  a  permanent  magnet,  with  a  poii 
or  index-finger  which  indicates  the  electr 
variations  on  a  graduated  scale. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


29 


The  construction  of  an  ammeter  is  fully 
show  in  the  two  views  in  I^'^gure  3.  The  per- 
manent magnets  used  in  its  construction  are  of 
a  special  quality  of  hardened  steel,  made  only 
for  this  purpose  and  possessed  of  great  mag- 
aetic  permeability.  The  pole-pieces,  which  are 
of  soft  steel  and  well  annealed,  are  attached  to 
the  inside  of  the  lower  part  of  the  magnet  legs, 
the  joints  between  the  pole  pieces  and  the  mag- 


Fig.  4 

net  legs  are  usually  ground  to  insure  the  full 
efficiency  of  the  magnetic  circuit.  The  soft  iron 
core  of  the  coil  is  for  the  purpose  of  rendering 
uniform  the  magnetic  field  in  which  the  coil 
must  oscillate.  A  coil  of  insulated  wire  is 
wound  upon  the  stationary  armature  at  right 
angles  to  its  axis,  in  the  same  manner  that 
thread  is  wound  upon  a  spool,  and  is  short-cir- 
cuited on  itself,  that  is  to  say,  the  ends  of  the 
wire  forming  the  coil  are  connected  together. 
This  coil  of  wire  is  for  the  purpose  of  choking 


30  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  magnetism  induced  in  the  stationary*  arma- 
ture by  the  oscillating  coil,  as  it  generates  what 
are  known  as  eddy  currents  within  itself,  thus 
making  the  instrument  periodic,  or  dead-beat, 
in  its  indications.  Around  the  armature  core 
and  outside  the  short-circuited  coil  of  wire  is 
wound  the  active  or  oscillating  coil  and  at  right 
angles  to  the  direction  of  the  winding  of  the 
first  coil.  The  oscillating  coil  consists  of  a  num- 
ber of  turns  of  fine  insulated  copper  wire,  to 
which  the  current  is  conveyed  through  the  me- 
dium of  the  controlling  springs  at  each  end  of 
the  spindle,  which  is  in  two  parts  and  con- 
nected together  by  a  suitable  sleeve  of  insulat- 
ing material,  as  shown. 

The  pointer  or  index-finger  is  made  with  a 
boss  or  hub  to  go  over  the  end  of  the  spindle  of 
the  active  coil  and  also  has  an  extension  with  a 
small  counterweight  or  balance,  so  that  the 
pointer  may  be  accurately  adjusted. 

The  only  difference  in  the  construction  of  a 
voltmeter  and  an  ammeter  is  that  in  the  former 
the  active  or  oscillating  coil  is  in  series  with  a 
high  resistance,  while  in  the  latter  it  is  con- 
nected across  the  terminals  of  a  shunt-block. 
The  voltmeter  is  in  reality  an  ammeter,  the  re- 
sistance serving  to  keep  the  amperage  in  step 
with  the  voltage. 

Reference  to  the  three  views,  marked  re* 
spectively  A,  B  and  C  in  Figure  4,  will  show 
clearly  the  principle  of  the  operation  of  an 
ammetev  ur  ^roltmeter,  and  the  reason  that  they 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


31 


icord^the  current  strength  op  pressure  of  an 
ectric  current  accurately. 
Ammeters  are  of  two  kinds,  the  double-beat 
^pe,  as  shown  in  Figure  3,  which  indicates  the 
irrent  strength  or  number  of  amperes  flowing 
I  the  electric  circuit,  without  any  regard  to 
le  polarity  of  the  terminals  of  the  circuit,  by 
le  pointer  or  index-finger  moving  either  to  the 
ght  or  to  the  left  of  the  zero  position.     The 


/OLT-AMMETER 


J 


Fig.  5 

ngle-beat  tj^e  of  ammeter  only  records  in 
le  direction,  by  the  pointer  moving  from  the 
ft  to  the  right  of  the  graduated  scale  of  the 
istrument,  consequently  the  polarity  of  the 
irminals  of  this  type  of  ammeter  are  marked 
1  its  outer  casing  and  the  polarity  of  the  ter- 
linals  of  the  electric  circuit  must  consequently 
B  determined  before  connecting  them  with  the 
fnmeter. 


32  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Ampere.  The  unit  of  electric  current  fl( 
An  ampere  is  that  volume  of  current  wh 
would  pass  through  a  circuit  that  offered  a 
sistance  of  one  ohm,  under  an  electromot 
force  of  one  volt. 

Ampere-houTy  Definition  of.  The  term  i 
pere-hour  is  used  to  denote  the  capacity  o 
storage  or  a  closed-circuit  primary  battery 
current.  A  storage  battery  that  will  keep 
ampere  lamp  burning  for  8  hours  is  said 
have  a  16  ampere-hour  capacity.  In  a  sim 
manner  an  80  ampere-hour  battery  would  c 
rate  the  same  lamp  40  hours.  The  voltage  c 
battery  does  not  enter  into  the  calculation 
its  ampere-hour  capacity. 

Anti-Freezing  Mixtures.  If  a  solution  of 
cohol  and  water  is  used,  the  best  results  will 
obtained  by  having  it  just  strong  enough 
stand  the  lowest  temperature  to  which  i1 
likely  to  be  subjected  in  the  climate  wher- 
is  to  be  used. 

The  reason  for  this  is  that  the  alcohol  evg 
rates  out  from  the  solution,  and  the  stronger 
solution,  the  more  there  is  to  evaporate, 
easier  it  evaporates,  and  the  greater  the  in 
ence  of  this  evaporation  upon  the  solution  1 

The  diagram  shown  on  page  33  indicates 
freezing  points  of  various  solutions  of  d( 
tured  alcohol,  also  of  wood  alcohol.  From 
diagram  a  solution  may  be  selected  which  " 
stand  any  temperature  from  50®  below  zerc 
40®  above. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


33 


Other  solutions  may  be  made  with  ealeium 
chloride  (common  salt),  also  the  salts  known  as 
potassium  carbonate.  These  with  water  form  a 
solution  that  will  stand  zero  temperatures,  but 
are  not  available  where  lower  temperatures  are 
common. 


4       *      «      R      B      0       !       B       8    «    . 

5 

// 

'  8 
s 

/ 

f 

0 

■8 

/ 

'^ 

7 

< 

I 

/ 

i 

^ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

t 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

» 

1 

f 

Non-Freezino  Mixtures  fob  Radiators.  In 
cold  weather,  the  circulating  water,  the  oil, 
and  the  carbureter  require  special  attention. 
If   the   car    is   to   be    run     regularly    during 


34  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the    winter,    it    is    advisable    to    use    a 
freezing  mixture  in  the  water-jacket.     I 
car  is  not  to  be  used  regularly,  it  ma; 
be  necessary  to  employ  such  a  mixture,  l 
that  case  great  care  is  necessary  to  prevei 
water  from  freezing  unexpectedly.     If  th 
is  kept  in  a  barn,  the  water  should  be  c 
off  completely  after  the  car  has  been  used 
the  drainage  cock  should  be  so  located  an 
piping  so   arranged  that  there   are   no 
pockets  in  which  the  water  may  freeze  ar 
struct  the  circulation.     If  the  water  free: 
the  pump,  the  latter  is  likely  to  be  broken 
the  car  is  started  the  next  morning.     If 
freezes  in  the  water-jackets,  it   will   burs 
jackets  unless  they  are  made  of  copper, 
the  car  is  left  standing  for  an  hour  or  so,  * 


Proportions  of  Glycerine,  Alcohol  i 

Water. 


Freezing 
Point 

Glycerine  and 
Alcohol    (equal  parts) 

28°  above 

15% 

15°  above 

20% 

10°  above 

24% 

5°  above 

28% 

Zero 

30% 

5°  below 

33% 

10*  below 

36% 

The  Automobile  Handbook  35 

or  lap  robes  may  be  thrown  over  the  radiator 
to  check  the  cooling;  this  is  cheaper  and  safer 
than  leaving  the  motor  running. 

The  two  substances  most  used  to  prevent 
freezing  are  glycerine  and  calcium  chloride.  A 
30-per-cent  solution  of  glycerine  in  water 
freezes  at  21°  F. ;  and  a  solution  of  one  part  of 
glycerine  to  two  parts  of  water  is  safe  from 
freezing  at  10°  or  15°  F. ;  40-per-cent  solution 
freezes  at  zero.  A  small  amount  of  slaked  lime 
should  be  added  to  neutralize  any  acidity  in  the 
solution.  Glycerine  has  the  objection  that  it 
destroys  rubber,  and  the  solution  fouls  rather 
quickly. 

A  cheaper  mixture,  and  one  preferable  where 
the  temperatures  encountered  are  likely  to  be 
below  15°  or  20°  F.,  is  a  solution  of  calcium 
chloride.  This  must  be  carefully  distinguished 
from  chloride  of  lime  (bleaching  powder), 
which  is  injurious  to  metal  surfaces.  Calcium 
chloride  costs  about  8  cents  a  pound  in  bulk, 
and  does  not  materially  affect  metals  except 
zinc.  A  saturated  solution  is  first  made  by  add- 
ing about  15  pounds  of  the  chloride  to  1  gallon 
of  water,  making  a  total  of  about  2  gallons. 
Some  undissolved  crystals  should  remain  at 
the  bottom  as  evidence  that  the  solution  is  sat- 
urated. To  this  solution  is  added  from  2  to  3 
gallons  of  water,  the  former  making  what  is 
called  a  50-per-cent.  solution.  A  little  lime  is 
added  to  neutralize  acidity.  A  50-per-cent  so- 
lution freezes  at  — 15°  F. 


36  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Whether  glycerine  or  calcium  chloride  is 
used,  loss  by  evaporation  should  be  made  up  by 
adding  pure  water,  and  loss  through  leakage  by 
adding  fresh  solution.  In  using  the  chloride, 
it  is  important  to  prevent  the  solution  from  ap- 
proaching the  point  of  saturation,  as  the  chlo- 
ride will  then  crystallize  out  and  clog  the  radi- 
ator, besides  boiling,  and  failing  to  cool  the 
motor.  A  50-per-cent.  solution  has  a  specific 
gravity  of  1.21,  and  should  be  tested  occasion- 
ally by  means  of  a  storage-battery  hydrometer. 
Equally  important  is  it  to  prevent  the  water 
from  approaching  the  boiling  point,  whatever 
the  density,  as  boiling  liberates  free  hydrochlo- 
ric acid,  which  at  once  attacks  the  metal  of  the 
radiator  and  cylinders. 

A  solution  of  two  parts  of  glycerine,  one  part 
of  water,  and  one  part  of  wood  alcohol  has  been 
recommended,  which  is  said  to  withstand  about 
zero  temperature. 

Certain  mineral  oils  used  for  the  lubrication 
of  refrigerating  machinery  are  recommended 
for  cooling,  because  they  remain  liquid  at  very 
low  temperatures.  They  are  not  particularly 
good  heat  conductors,  however,  and  will  not 
keep  the  motor  as  cool  as  the  water  solution. 
If  the  oil  is  used,  it  must  be  cleaned  from  the 
radiator  by  the  use  of  kerosene  and  oil  soap, 
before  water  can  again  be  used  effectively. 

As  regards  lubrication,  the  principal  danger 
is  that  the  oil  will  thicken  from  the  cold  so  that 
it  will  refuse  to  feed.     This  is  avoided  by  usingx 


The  Automobile  Handbook  37 

cold  test  oil,  which  remains  liquid  at  lower  tem- 
peratures than  ordinary  oil,  or  by  adding  to  the 
ordinary  oil  some  kerosene  or  gasoline,  and  in- 
creasing the  feed.  If  the  oil  tank  is  located 
close  to  the  engine,  it  will  remain  liquid,  even  in 
quite  cold  weather.  But  unless  the  car  has  been 
kept  in  a  warm  place  over  night,  the  bearings  are 
liable  to  run  dry  before  the  car  has  warmed  up. 

Cooling  Solutions — For  Winter.  Kadiators 
are  costly,  delicate  and  composite  in  construc- 
tion, the  latter  due  to  the  plurality  of  metals  in 
their  make-up,  hence  electrolytic  action  takes 
place,  due  to  the  difference  of  potential  nat- 
ural to  the  different  metals  immersed  in  a  saline 
bath.  Therefore  great  care  should  be  exer- 
cised in  the  preparation  of  anti-freezing  solu- 
tions made  up  of  calcium  chloride  (common 
salt  and  water).  Any  approach  to  the  satura- 
tion limit  is  attended  with  danger  of  precipita- 
tion. The  saturated  solution  is  ascertained  at 
60  degrees  F.,  and  increasing  the  temperature 
increases  the  capacity  of  the  water  to  hold  the 
salts  in  suspension. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Ohmic  resistance  of 
a  solution  is  lowest  at  about  half  saturation. 
To  sum  up,  it  is  experience  that  counts,  and 
it  is  still  a  question  as  to  the  extent  to  which 
saline  solutions  can  be  used  with  safety.  Of 
course  there  is  no  solution  as  good  as  water 
alone,  but  unfortunately  water  will  expand 
when  it  freezes,  and  it  will  freeze  on  small  prov- 
ocation in  a  radiator.    Oil  as  a  cooling  medium 


38  The  Automoiile  Handbook 

has  points  in  its  favor  which  some  authorities 
claim  render  it  more  efficient  than  water,  as 
for  instance  it  has  a  higher  boiling  point,  about 
double  that  of  water,  and  as  a  result  the  oil 
will  not  waste  away  except  by  leakage.  The 
heat  exchange  occurs  at  a  higher  temperature, 
thereby  increasing  the  efficiency  of  the  motor. 
Then  also  the  area  of  radiating  surface  may  be 
smaller,  with  a  conesquent  decrease  in  weight, 
while  the  work  of  the  fan  is  rendered  of  less 
importance.  A  light,  thin,  pure  mineral  oil  is 
the  most  reliable.  Animal,  and  vegetable  oils 
are  more  apt  to  become  rancid,  the  acid  in  them 
also  attacks  the  metal  of  the  radiator. 

Armatures,  Dynamo.  The  armature,  or  re- 
volving member  of  lighting  dynamos,  is  com- 
posed of  a  core  made  from  wrought  iron  or  mild 
steel.  It  is  customary  to  make  this  core  by  as- 
sembling a  sufficient  number  of  thin  plates 
made  in  the  form  of  the  cross  section  of  the 
core,  these  plates  being  covered  with  an  insulat- 
ing composition  and  then  fastened  together  on 
the  shaft.  This  construction  prevents  the  for- 
mation of  harmful  **eddy  currents''  within  the 
metal. 

The  assembled  core  has  a  number  of  slots  run- 
ning lengthwise  of  its  body  and  in  these  slots 
are  placed  the  armature  coils  or  winding  of  in- 
sulated wire.  The  coils  are  then  connected  to 
a  commutator  mounted  on  one  end  of  the  shaft 
in  such  a  way  that  the  current  generated  may 
be  collected  by  the  brushes. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


39 


Armatures,  Slotted  and  Shuttle  Types  of. 
An  armature  is  the  rotating  part  of  a  dynamo 
or  electric  motor  which  generates  electricity  or 
develops  power. 


Fig.  6  *" 

The  armature  shown  at  right  of  Fig.  6  is 
known  as  the  Siemen's  H  or  shuttle  type  and  is 
the  simplest  form  of  wire-wound  armature 
known.  The  current  given  by  this  form  of 
armature  is  of  the  alternating  type  and  is  con- 
verted into  a  direct-current,  when  desired,  by 
means  of  a  two-part  commutator  on  the  arma- 
ture shaft. 

The  slotted  type  of  armature  shown  at  the 
left  of  Fig.  6  has  a  more  intricate  sys- 
tem of  winding  than  the  shuttle  type  just  de- 
scribed. It  has,  however,  a  far  greater  elec- 
trical efficiency  and  gives  off  a  steadier  current 
than  the  shuttle  type.  It  is  the  form  most  gen- 
erally used  for  automobile  and  street  railway 
motors.  Like  the  shuttle  type  of  arinature,  the 
current  generated  by  the  slotted  type  of  arma- 
ture is  alternating,  and  is  converted  into  a  di- 
rect current  by  means  of  a  commutator  of  very 
complicated  form. 


40  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Assembling  a  Car.  In  assembling  the  car  the 
engine  had  best  be  put  together  first.  When 
putting  the  pistons  in  their  respective  cylinders 
see  that  the  splits  or  joints  in  the  piston  rings 
are  not  in  line,  but  are  spaced  evenly  around 
the  piston.  See  that  all  parts  are  thoroughly 
clean  and  that  no  grit,  or  stray  strands  of  waste 
happen  to  be  caught  on  any  projection.  All 
nuts  and  bolts  should  be  screwed  tight  and  the 
jaws  of  the  wrench  should  be  properly  adjusted 
to  them,  that  the  corners  of  the  nuts  and  cap 
screws  may  not  be  rounded  off.  Insert  the  cot- 
ter pin  after  each  nut  has  been  screwed  home. 
In  joints  where  packing  is  required  the  old 
packing  may  be  used  if  it  is  in  good  shape. 
Joint  faces  should,  of  course,  be  perfectly  clean. 
A  stout  grade  of  manila  wrapping  paper  soaked 
in  linseed  oil  will  make  an  excellent  packing  for 
crankcase  and  other  joints  having  a  good  con- 
tact surface. 

While  the  engine  is  being  reassembled  it  will 
be  found  advantageous  to  check  up  the  valve 
timing.  To  do  this,  turn  the  fly-wheel  until 
the  inlet  valve  plunger  of  No.  1  cylinder  just 
touches  the  lower  end  of  its  valve  stem.  At  this 
point  the  line  on  the  fly-wheel  indicating  **  Inlet 
No.  1  Open'*  should  coincide  with  the  pointer 
on  the  engine  base.  If  the  contact  between  the 
valve  stem  and  the  plunger  is  made  before  the 
mark  on  the  fly-wheel  lines  up  with  the  pointer, 
the  valve  opens  too  early.  In  most  cars  the 
adjustments  may  be  made  by  the  screw  cap  and 


The  Automobile  Handbook  41 

lock-nut  on  the  plunger.  As  the  valve  stems  are 
lowered  by  repeated  grindings  of  the  valves, 
the  plungers  require  adjustment  occasionally 
to  compensate  for  this  movement.  Insert  a 
piece  of  paper  between  plunger  and  valve  stem, 
and  by  lightly  pulling  on  the  paper  the  time  of 
contact  and  the  moment  of  release  may  be  de- 
termined to  a  nicety.  When  the  paper  is  held 
tightly,  a  good  contact  is  assured,  and  the  mo- 
ment the  paper  becomes  loose  and  can  be  moved 
about,  the  contact  is  broken.  In  many  cars  the 
reference  or  index  mark  on  the  engine  bed  is 
omitted;  in  this ^se  the  markings  on  the  fly- 
wheel must  be  brought  directly  to  the  top.  The 
other  inlets  and  the  exhaust  valves  should  then 
be  similarly  checked  up  and  adjusted. 

Most  cars  base  the  valve  setting  on  a  1-32 
inch  clearance  «pace  between  valve  stem  and 
plunger  rod  when  the  valve  is  closed.  This 
may  be  taken  as  the  minimum  amount,  and 
should  not  be  increased.  A  larger  amount  of 
clearance  will  cause  the'  exhaust  valve  to  open 
too  late,  and,  the  exploded  gases  not  being  en- 
tirely expelled,  the  power  of  the  motor  will  be 
impaired.  This  clearance  is  necessary  to  allow 
for  the  expansion  of  the  valve  stem  when  it  be- 
comes heated. 

Too  much  stress  cannot  be  laid  on  the  neces- 
sity of  going  about  the  work  in  an  orderly  and 
methodical  manner.  A  mechanic  who  leaves 
parts  lying  about  carelessly  will  rarely  be  found 
a  good  one,  and  certainly  he  is  not  a  proper 


42  The  Automobile  HandbooJc 

model  for  the  amateur  to  copy.  With  the  proper 
circumspection,  then,  and  with  a  little  ^Tiorse 
sense^^  in  applying  the  directions  to  his  par- 
ticular make  of  car,  the  amateur  owner  should 
have  no  difficulty  in  making  a  good  job  of  over- 
hauling, thus  bettering  the  condition  of  his  ma- 
chine and  at  the  same  time  acquiring  a  valua- 
ble stock  of  knowledge  for  the  future. 

Automobile  Driving.  When  on  the  open 
road,  away  from  cities  or  towns,  the  fol- 
lowing rules  should  be  borne  in  mind.  (1) 
Drive  with  moderate  speed  on  the  level,  slow 
speed  down  hill,  and  wide  open  throttle  for 
hill  climbing,  or  getting  up  speed  only.  (2) 
The  condition  of  the  road  should  be  noticed, 
the  presence  of  mud  or  dust  thereon  furnishing 
sufficient  reason  for  slowing  down  .somewhat 
for  the  sake  of  other  road  users.  (3)  The  or- 
dinary rules  of  the  road  regarding  the  negotia- 
tion of  turns,  and  crossings,  also  the  overtak- 
ing or  passing  of  other  vehicles  should  be  ad- 
hered to,  even  though  a  lower  rate  of  speed  is 
involved  thereby.  (4)  A  sharp  lookout  should 
always  be  kept  for  traffic  of  all  kinds,  as  well 
as  on  approaching  schools,  churches,  or  public 
buildings,  and  also  for  road  signs  indicating 
danger,  caution,  etc.  (5)  When  on  the  road 
the  autoist  should  show  courtesy  to  other  road 
users.  Courtesy  in  autoists  is  much  appreci- 
ated, and  goes  a  long  way  toward  removing 
the  prejudice  which  exists  in  many  places 
against  automobiles. 


Hie  Automobile  Handbooh  43 

Gear — Changing.  In  changing  gears  the  au- 
toist  should  endeavor  to  have  the  motor  and 
car  moving  at  nearly  corresponding  rates  of 
speed  before  the  clutch  is  engaged.  With  the 
planetary  type  of  gear,  changing  is  simple,  and 
drivers  usually  guess  at  the  proper  period  at 
which  to  make  the  change,  any  mistake  in  esti- 
mating the  rates  of  the  car  and  motor  being  of 
little  consequence,  as  the  bands  will  slip  instead 
of  transmitting  the  shock  to  the  gear.  A  simi- 
lar action  occurs  in  the  case  of  individual 
clutch  or  friction  gears,  but  with  the  sliding 
type  severe  strains  and  shocks  have  to  be  taken 
up  by  the  clutch,  and  are  usually  transmitted  in 
part  to  the  gear  if  the  clutch  is  not  slipped. 
What  applies  to  the  sliding  type  in  general  ap- 
plies to  the  other  types  as  well. 

In  changing  from  a  lower  to  a  higher  gear  it 
will  be  necessary  to  speed  up  the  motor  by 
means  of  the  throttle  or  accelerator  in  order  to 
store  enough  energy  in  the  flywheel  to  furnish 
the  work  needed  to  accelerate  the  car  to  its 
new  speed.  As  the  speed  of  the  car  increases 
the  higher  gear  should  be  engaged,  the  autoist 
not  being  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  make  the 
change.  The  movement  of  the  change  gear  le- 
ver should  be  made  quickly  in  order  that  the 
car  does  not  lose  way.  When  changing  from  a 
higher  to  a  lower  gear  the  change  should  be 
made  as  quickly  as  possible  before  the  car  has 
time  to  slow  down.  When  climbing  a  steep  hill 
it  should  be  ascended  as  far  as  possible  on  the 


44  The  Automobile  HandbooTe 

high  gear  by  proper  use  of  the  throttle  and 
spark,  and  the  change  down  to  the  lower  gear 
made  as  soon  as  the  motor  begins  to  labor  or  is 
in  danger  of  stopping.  The  presence  of  an 
unusual  number  of  passengers  in  the  car  will 
affect  its  ability  to  negotiate  grades  which  ordi- 
narily are  taken  on  the  high  gear,  and  the  auto- 
ist  should  remember  this  and  not  attempt  to 
force  the  car  to  travel  on  that  gear  with  the  in- 
creased load,  but  resort  to  a  lower  gear. 

Reversing — Backing  Up.  Among  other  things 
connected  with  driving  which  is  apt  to  l)e  neg- 
lected, is  reversing,  or  driving  a  car  backward. 
Usually  a  car  is  never  reversed  for  more  than 
a  few  yards  at  a  time  and  the  maneuvering  in- 
volved requires  no  great  skill.  Steering  a  car 
when  running  backwards  is  diametrically  op- 
posite to  that  when  running  forward.  A  turn 
of  the  wheel  to  the  left  steers  the  car  in  the 
opposite  direction  to  the  right,  and  vice  versa. 
The  usual  mistake  made  in  reversing  is  in  turn- 
ing the  steering  wheel  too  far,  and  describing 
zigzags  in  th^' road  as  a  result.  The  autoist 
should  reijBBMS^  that  the  reverse  gear  of  a 
sliding  cha^^%ear  should  never  be  engaged 
until  the  car  lias  been  brought  to  a  full  stop. 

Brakes,  Proper  Use  of.  Next  to  the  motive 
power  in  importance  come  the  brakes.  There 
are  a  number  of  points  regarding  brakes  that 
every  autoist  should  know  and  remember.  First 
and  most  important  is  the  fact  that  brakes  vary 
in  their  effectiveness,  and  that  freedom  from  dis- 


The  Automobile  HandhooTc  45 

aster  depends  upon  the  brakes  being  kept  in 
good  condition  and  properly  adjusted.  Second, 
while  a  brake  may  be  perfectly  satisfactory  for 
slowing  down,  it  by  no  means  follows  that  it  will 
bring  a  car  to  a  stop  as  it  should,  nor  hold  the 
car  from  going  backward.  Third,  brakes 
should  be  tested  frequently  with  the  car  in 
motion,  the  pedal  or  hand  lever  being  applied 
until  the  car  slows  down,  or  stops.  The  distance 
covered  in  making  this  test  should  be  noted, 
and  a  greater  distance  allowed  in  making  stops 
on  the  road. 

In  applying  brakes,  the  application  should  be 
gradual,  reducing  the  speed  of  the  car  as  quickly 
as  possible  without  locking  the  wheels.  As  long 
as  the  tires  retain  their  grip  on  the  road,  the 
powerful  retarding  action  of  the  brake  contin- 
ues, but  when  the  wheels  are  locked  the  brakes 
have  little  or  no  effect,  and  the  car  will  either 
slide  along,  or  skid,  in  either  case  being  be- 
yond the  control  of  the  driver.  Should  the 
wheels  become  locked  while  descending  a  hill, 
the  brakes  should  be  released  until  the  wheels 
are  again  revolving,  and  then  reapplied  gradu- 
ally, until  they  act  satisfactorily. 

Brakes  should  be  examined  at  regular  in- 
tervals in  order  to  ascertain  if  the  lining  is  in 
good  condition.  If  worn,  the  old  lining  should 
be  replaced  with  new.  If  the  brakes  are  of  the 
internal-expanding  type,  the  shoes  may  have 
become  worn,  in  which  case  they  should  be  re- 
newed.    Toggle    joints     and    adjusting    nuts 


46  The  Automobile  Handbooh 

should  be  inspected,  and  any  looseness  taken  up. 
Brakes  should  be  adjusted  on  the  road,  as  any 
improper  adjustment  of  the  equalizer  bar  will 
have  a  strong  tendency  to  make  the  car  skid. 
Both  brakes  should  be  adjusted  alike,  that  the 
braking  force  applied  by  the  equalizer  may  be 
transmitted  to  the  wheels  equally. 

SmE  Slip,  or  Skidding.  If  the  rate  of  rota- 
tion of  a  wheel  is  greater  than  the  rate  of  ad- 
vance over  the  road,  the  wheel  loses  adhesion 
and  thereafter  it  is  just  as  easy  for  it  to  move 
in  one  direction  as  in  another. 

The  wheel  can  now  slip  sideways  as  easily 
as  it  can  slip  forwards,  particularly  when  it  has 
the  rounded  section  slightly  flattened,  which  is 
the  case  with  pneumatic  tires.  When  traveling 
straight  ahead,  and  with  the*motor  out  of  gear, 
skidding  does  not  usually  occur.  A  slight  turn 
given  to  the  steering  wheel  checks  the  speed 
and  introduces  a  side  pressure  on  both  front 
and  rear  wheels,  due  to  the  machine  tending  to 
continue  its  path  in  a  straight  line.  Generally 
this  side  pressure  will  not  cause  skidding.  If, 
however,  the  motor  be  suddenly  thrown  in  gear, 
or  the  brakes  suddenly  applied,  or,  what 
amounts  to  the  same,  a  large  turn  is  given  the 
steering  wheel,  the  wheels  find  themselves 
either  rotating  more  than  in  proportion  to  their 
advance,  or  advancing  more  than  in  proportion 
to  their  rotation.  This  immediately  causes  a  loss 
of  adhesion,  which,  once  established,  causes  the 
car  to  skid  or  side-slip. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  47 

Spark — Regulation  of.  Upon  the  proper  use 
of  the  sparking  device  depends  the  economy  of 
the  motor,  and  in  many  cases  the  safety  of  the 
driver.  On  some  cars  the  sparking  point  on  the 
magneto  is  fixed,  and  the  autoist  controls  the 
car  by  the  throttle  only.  There  are  a  number 
of  cars  in  use  which  employ  the  battery  in  con- 
nection with  separate  coils  or  a  single  spark  sys- 
tem, or  a  magneto  on  which  the  spark  can  be 
regulated  by  the  driver.  When  starting,  the 
spark  should  be  retarded  in  the  case  of  battery 
ignition,  to  prevent  backfiring,  and  slightly  ad- 
vanced to  a  certain  point,  depending  on  the 
motor  and  magneto,  in  the  case  of  magneto  igni- 
tion. "When  it  is  desired  to  slow  the  motor 
down  below  the  point  obtained  by  throttling 
only,  the  spark  is  likewise  retarded.  In  ordi- 
nary running,  a  position  of  the  spark  lever  can 
be  found  which  will  give  fair  average  results 
through  a  considerable  range  of  speed  without 
changing  its  position,  and  this  position  varies 
with  each  motor,  and  can  be  found  by  experi- 
ence. When  a  higher  rate  of  speed  is  desired, 
the  throttle  is  opened  and  the  spark  advanced 
gradually.  If  a  grade  is  to  be  negotiated  it 
should  be  ''rushed"  if  possible,  the  throttle  be- 
ing opened  full  and  the  spark  well  advanced 
until  the  motor  begins  to  slow  down  and 
*' knock,"  when  the  spark  should  be  retarded  to 
correct  this.  The  autoist  should  always  keep 
the  spark  as  far  advanced  as  possible,  without 
causing  the  motor  to  knock. 


48  The  Automobile  Randhooh 

When  to  Ketard  the  Ignition.  Always  r<^- 
retard  the  ignition  before  starting  the  motor, 
and  take  great  care  that  the  ignition  is  retarded 
and  not  by  mistake  advailced.  Some  cars  are 
fitted  with  a  device  which  prevents  the  starting 
crank  being  turned  unless  the  spark  is  retarded. 
If  it  is  not  clear  as  to  which  way  to  move  the 
ignition  lever  to  retard  th6  ignition,  move  the 
commutator  in  the  slame  direction  as  the  cain- 
shaft  rotates. 

As  soon  as  the  motor  slows  a  little  when  go- 
ing uphill,  retarding  the  spark  enables  more 
power  to  be  obtained  from  the  motor  at  the 
slow  speed,  that  is  to  say,  if  the  spark  is  not 
retarded  the  motor  will  go  slower  than  if  it  is 
retarded.  Do  not  retard  the  lever  to  the  utmost 
under  these  conditions;  on  the  contrary,  retard 
the  lever  to  such  a  point  that  the  knocking  (due 
to  the  wrong  position)  ceases. 

Eetarding  the  spark  causes  the  maximum 
pressure  of  the  explosion  to  occur  at  the  best 
part  of  the  stroke,  or,  rather,  the  mean  pressure 
of  the  explosion  stroke  will  be  lower  if  the  best 
point  of  ignition  by  retarding  is  not  found.  This 
is' a  matter  of  some  skill  and  practice. 

To  slow  the  motor,  cut  off  as  much  mixture 
as  the  throttle  allows,  then  slow  the  motor  still 
further  by  retarding  the  spark,  but  on  no  ac- 
count retard  the  spark  when  the  throttle  is  full 
open  (for  the  purpose  of  slowing  the  motor), 
as  the  motor  will  merely  discharge  a  quantity 
of  flame  at  a  white  heat  over  the  stem  of  the 


The  Automobile  Handbooh  49 

exhaust   valve,   burning  it,   softening   it,   and 
making  it  scale. 

When  TO  Advance  the  Ignition.  With  too- 
early  ignition  the  pressure  upon  the  piston  be- 
comes excessive  and  without  any=  adequate  re- 
turn of  useful  work  or  energy.  If  the  ignition 
be  retarded  too  much,  the  maximum  explosive 
pressure  Occurs  too  late  during  the  working 
or  power  stroke  of  the  piston,  and  the  combus- 
tion of  the  gases  is  not  complete  when  the  ex- 
haust-valve opens.  Greater  motor  speed  re- 
quires an  early  ignition  of  the  charge,  but 
greater  power  calls  for  late  or  retarded  igni- 
tion. 

The  reason  for  advancing  the  spark  when 
fast  running  is  required,  is  that  the  explosion 
or  ignition  of  the  charge  is  not  instantaneous 
as  may  be  supposed,  but  requires  a  brief  inter- 
val of  time  for  its  completion. 

It  may  be  well  to  explain  without  entering 
into  theoretical  details,  that  when  a  motor  is 
running  at  normal  speed,  the  ignition-device  is 
so  set  that  ignition  takes  place  before  the  pis- 
ton reaches  the  end  of  its  stroke.  The  later 
the  ignition  takes  place  the  slower  the  speed 
of  the  motor  and  consequently  the  less  power  it 
will  develop.  If,  however,  in  starting  the  mo- 
tor the  ignition-device  were  set  to  operate  be- 
fore the  piston  reached  the  end  of  its  stroke, 
backfiring  would  occur,  resulting  in  a  reversal 
of  the  operation  of  the  motor  and  possibly  in 
injury  to  the  operator. 


50  The  Automobile  Handbooh 

Car  Inspection.  Most  autoists  are  content  to 
make  all  their  inspection  of  the  car  and  its  mech- 
anism from  above,  and  rarely  give  more  than  a 
casual  glance  below  the  frame  except  when 
trouble  occurs.  On  cars  fitted  with  pressure-feed 
on  the  gasoline,  the  piping  should  be  frequently 
inspected,  on  account  of  the  danger  from  fuel 
leakage.  Such  inspections  should  be  made 
when  the  motor  is  stopped,  and  the  pressure  still 
turned  on.  The  tank  should  be  gone  over  for 
leaks  arising  through  the  opening  of  its  seams 
from  vibration,  or  the  loosening  of  the  union 
connecting  the  fuel  lead  with  the  tank.  The 
lead  and  its  connection  to  the  carbureter  should 
also  be  examined  for  leaks  and  abrasions  due  to 
rubbing  against  other  parts  of  the  mechanism. 
If  any  such  are  found  they  should  be  immedi- 
diately  repaired.  Twine,  tire  tape,  or  rubber 
bands  will  act  satisfactorily  as  fenders  to  pre- 
vent further  mischief.  Unions  which  cannot  be 
made  tight  by  screwing  up  should  be  taken 
apart  and  the  male  connections  coated  with 
soap  or  red  lead,  which  will  render  them  tight 
for  a  considerable  time. 

After  going  over  the  fuel  system,  the  brake 
rods  and  steering  connections  should  be  exam- 
ined for  loose  joints  and  broken  oil  and  grease 
cups.  Grease  boots  on  the  drive-shaft  joints 
should  be  seen  to  be  sound,  and  filled  with 
grease.  A  cleaning  out  of  the  dirt  from  the  in- 
terior of  tlie  mud-pan  will  often  reveal  lost  cot- 
ter i)ins  or  nuts,  and  tend  to  a  more  agreeable 
handling  of  the  draincocks,  carbureter  and  fil- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  51 

^ter.  This  time  will  be  well  spent  when  the 
chances  of  fire  or  accidents  arising  from  faulty 
steering  or  brake  connections  are  taken  into 
account. 

Dont's.  In  the  first  place  don't  forget  to  as- 
certain the  fact  that  the  ignition  mechanism  is 
retarded  before  cranking  the  motor.  Many  a 
sprained  wrist  and  a  few  cases,  of  broken 
heads  or  arms  have  been  caused  by  the  neglect 
of  this  simple  precaution.  It  is  a  good  plan  to 
have  the  ignition-control  spring  so  actuated  that 
in  its  normal  position  it  is  always  retarded. 

Don't  use  the  electric  starting  motor  to  pro- 
pel the  car.    It  ruins  the  battery. 

Don't  use  a  match  or  a  small  torch  to  inspect 
the  carburetor.  It  sometimes  leads  to  unex- 
pected results. 

Don't  forget  to  fill  the  gasoline  tank  before 
starting. 

Don't  smoke  while  filling  the  gasoline  tank. 

Don't  take  out  all  the  spark  plugs  when 
there  is  nothing  the  matter,  except  that  there 
is  no  gasoline  in  the  tank. 

Don't  forget  to  always  have  an  extra  spark 
plug  on  the  car. 

Don't  allow  the  motor  to  race  or  run  fast 
when  out  of  gear.  If  the  car  is  to  be  stopped 
for  a  few  minutes,  without  stopping  the  motor, 
retard  the  ignition  and  also  throttle  the  charge, 
so  that  the  motor  will  run  as  slowly  as  possible. 

Don't  fill  the  gasoline  tank  too  full,  leave  an 


52  The  Automobile  Handbook 

air  space  at  the  top  or  the  gasoline  will  not  flow 
readily. 

Don't  have  any  open  hole  in  the  gasoline 
tank.  When  the  car  is  washed  water  may  run 
in  this  hole,  mix  with  the  gasoline  and  cause 
trouble. 

Don't  put  grease  in  the  crank  case  of  the 
motor,  it  will  clog  up  the  oil  holes  and  prevent 
the  oil  from  circulating. 

Don't  fill  the  gasoline  tank  hy  lamp  or  candle 
light,  something  unexpected  may  happen. 

Don't  keep  on  running  when  an  unusual  noise 
is  heard  about  the  car,  stop  and  find  out  what 
it  is. 

Don't  start  or  stop  too  suddenly,  something 
may  break. 

Don't  pour  gasoline  over  the  hands  and  then 
rub  them  together.  That  rubs  the  dirt  into  the 
skin.  The  proper  way  to  do  is  to  saturate  a 
towel  with  gasoline  and  then  wipe  the  dirt  oflf. 

Don't  forget  to  examine  the  steering  gear 
frequently. 

Don't  fail  to  examine  the  pipe  between  the 
carbureter  and  the  admission-valve  occasionallv. 
The  pipe  connections  sometimes  get  loose  and 
allow  air  to  enter  and  weaken  the  mixture. 

Don't  forget  to  see  that  there  13  plenty  of 
water  and  gasoline  in  the  tanks. 

Don't  fail  to  clean  the  motor  and  all  the 
wearing  parts  of  the  car  occasionally. 

Don't  forget  to  oil  every  part  of  the  motor 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


53 


where  there  is  any  friction,  except  the  valve 
stems/ 

Don't  forget  to  put  distilled  water  in  the  bat- 
tery every  ten  to  fifteen  days. 

Automobile  Tools.  In  Fig.  7  three  types 
of  valve  lifters  are  shown.  B  and  G  are  of  the 
same  principle,  and  quite  efficient  in  almost  any 
case;  but  A,  when  properly  operated,  and  on 
its  respective  motor,  is.  more  quickly  applied, 


Fig.  7 

and  consequently  a  time  saver.    D  is  a  valve- 
seating  tool,  supplied  as  special  equipment  by 
one  of  the  large  motor  car  manufacturers. 
In  Fig.  8  are  shown  a  couple  of  spanner 

wrenches  and  one  or  two  other  tools  that  are 
quite  uncommon  but  quite  necessary  in  the  work 
to  which  they  are  adapted.  A  is  made  from  a 
piece  of  steel  tubing  and  used  on  packing 
glands — the  tube  to  slip  over  the  shaft — and  the 
small  lugs   at  the   end   engage   corresponding 


54 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


recesses  in  a.  packing  nut.  B  is  represental 
of  a  valve-grinder,  designed  especially  for 
valves  in  certain  motors.  The  spanner  C  is 
quired  to  conveniently  remove  certain  types 
cylinder  plugs;  while  D,  which  approaches 
conventional,  is  used  in  adjusting  bearings 
a  particular  type. 

There  is  probably  a  greater  variety  of  wi 
and  gear  pullers  now  in  service'  than  of  i 


other  special  tool.  In  Pig.  0,  A  looks  vi 
much  like  the  standard  adjustable  wheel  t 
gear  puller  for  sale  in  all  supply  houses ;  t 
it  practically  is  the  same  except  that  the  hoi 
are  larger  and  twisted  in  opposite  direeti. 
and  at  right  angles  to  the  beam.  It  is  foi 
useful  in  removing  road  and  flywheels  and 
like.  B  is  a  non-adjustable  tool  made  especia 
for  removing  flywheels.  C  and  P  are  road  wh 
pullers,  and  are  included  in  the  regular  equ 


The  Automobile  Handbooh 


55 


ment  of  tools  supplied  with  the  cars  of  two 
prominent  manufacturers.  C  is  part  of  the 
Rambler  tool  equipment  and  is  used  in  connec- 
tion with  their  spare  wheel;  and  P  represents 
the  type  of  wheel  puller  supplied  by  the  Pierce- 
Arrow.  E  is  a  gear-puller  designed  to  remove 
the  half-time-gears  of  an  Oldsmobile,  the  two 


Fig.  9 


side-screws  being  intended  to  fit  into  threaded 
holes  in  the  web  of  the  gears. 

When  the  Jack  is  Missing.  Should  the  jack 
be  missing  or  broken,  an  efiScient  substitute  can 
be  rigged  from  a  large  stone  or  a  number  of 
bricks  piled  one  on  another  until  the  height  is 
sufficient  to  lift  the  wheel  from  the  ground. 


5G  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Having  gotten  the  stone  or  piled  the  bricks  obi 
of  the  floor-boards  can  be  utilized  as  an  inelino 
plane  and  the  ear  backed  up  until  the  axle  rest 
on  the  top  of  the  pile.  "When  the  work  has  bee 
IX'tfornied,  the  axle  will  have  to  be  pushed  o: 
the  pile,  bnt  as  the  drop  is  inconsiderable  n 
liarm  can  come  to  the  tire.    Where  staUe-aiv 


rider  fences  abound,  one  of  the  rider  timbei 
can  be  utilized  as  a  lever,  with  a  stone  as  a  fu 
cnim  to  raise  the  axle,  supporting  the  latti 
with  another  stone  during  the  repair,  and  genti 
easing  down  the  axle  when  ready  to  proceed. 
Removing  Dents,  An  easy  method  of  remo' 
ing  dents  consists  of  soldering  a  piece  of  wii 
to  the  bottom  of  the  dent,  then  pulling  the  d 


The  Automobile  HandbooJc  57 

^iressed  portion  out  to  its  proper  position.  When 
the  dent  happens  to  be  in  an  oil,  or  gasoline 
tank,  or  a  radiator,  an  old  valve  can  be  most 
effectively  used  in  place  of  the  wire,  as  shown 
in  Fig.  10  The  top  surface  of  the  valve  is  filed 
smooth  and  bright,  then  cleaned  with  soldering 
acid  and  tinned  with  solder.  A  flat  surface  of 
the  same  area,  and  as  near  the  bottom  of  the 
dent  as  possible,  is  treated  in  the  same  manner, 
and  the  valve  sweated  on.  This  sweating  on  is 
done  by  placing  the  prepared  portion  of  the 
valve  against  the  tinned  surface  of  the  dent, 
and  then  applying  heat  with  a  torch  till  a  f  u- 
>ion  of  the  solder  takes  place.  The  heat  should 
then  be  removed  and  the  solder  allowed  to  set. 
When  cool,  it  will  be  found  that  with  the  valve 
item  as  a  handle  and  lever,  and  probably  a  few 
light  taps  with  a  hammer  around  the  edge  of 
the  dent,  the  deformed  part  can  be  most  easily 
straightened  out. 

Tools  Necessary.    The  following  tools  should 
be  in  the  car  when  on  the  road: 
Monkey  wrench,  9  inch. 
Machinist 's  screwdriver. 
Ball  pene  hammer,  one  pound. 
Combination  pliers,  8  inch. 
Set  of  double  end,  or  **S''  wrenches. 
Flat  file,  mill  cut. 
Three  cornered  file. 
Round  file,  six  inch. 
Center  punch. 
Prick  punch. 


58  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Drift  punch,  flat  ended. 

Offset,  or  ** bent-end"  screwdriver. 

Cold  chisel,  three-quarter  inch. 

Spark  plug  wrench. 

Small  wire  cutting  pliers. 

Emery  cloth. 

Cotter  pin  puller. 

Wire  brush  for  spark  plugs. 

Break  Downs,  ajid  Their  Kemedies. 

Chaiist  Broken".  In  case  a  chain  should  break, 
and  there  are  no  spare  links  available,  the  car 
may  be  driven  by  the  other  qhain,  provided  the 
idle  sprocket  is  secured  so  "that  it  cannot  re- 
volve. An  easy  way  to  do  this  is  as  follows: 
Pass  one  end  of  the  chain  around  the  sprocket, 
secure  the  end  link  to  the  chain  with  wire,  and 
attach  the  other  end  of  the  chain  to  some  part 
of  the  car,  as  a  running  board  bracket. 

On  shaft  driven  cars  the  universal  joint  pins 
sometimes  work  loose,  and  drop  out.  In  such 
cases  a  temporary  pin  can  be  made  from  a  bunch 
of  wire,  or  by  a  "mall  chisel  held  in  place  by 
wires,  or  twine. 

CiRCULATixG  Pump  Leakage.  Leakage  of 
the  water  circulating  pump  occurs  usually 
where  the  cover  joins  the  pump  body  by  means 
of  a  ground  joint.  A  gasket  of  stiff  paper 
(lipped  in  lubricating  cil  inserted  between  the 
cover  and  the  body  will  remedy  this,  the  gasket 
being  easily  formed  with  the  pocket  knife.  As- 
bestos cord  is  better  than  paper  when  treated 
with    vaseline    and    graphite,    but    few    autoists 


The  Automobile  Handbook  59 

carry  it.  For  leakage  around  the  pump  spindle 
the  cord  can  be  used,  pushing  it  in  with  a  piece 
of  strip  brass  or  other  soft  metal  so  as  to  avoid 
-scratching  the  shaft.  If  no  asbestos  cord  is  at 
iand  one  of  the  strands  of  a  piece  of  hemp  rope 
"treated  with  tallow  will  also  answer. 

Cranking  with  Safety.  The  principle  in- 
"volved  in  safely  cranking  an  engine  is,  to  get 
-the  explosion  at  the  moment  the  crank  is  pull- 
±ag  on  the  fingers,  so  that  if  the  kick  comes  the 
force  will  simply  pull  the  handle  out  of  the 
^rasp,  instead  of  being  expended  against  the 
l)ody  weight  and  applied  force.  Do  not  attempt 
to  turn  the  crank  all  the  way  around ;  adjust  it 
to  start  against  the  compression,  then  give  a 
quick  pull  upward. 

Differential  Casing.    In  cases  of  emergency 
where  oil  or  grease  cannot  be  obtained  for  fill- 
.  ing   the   differential   casing,   beeswax   may   be 
used  as  a  substitute. 

Dry  Cells  for  Ignition.  Dry  cells  will  give 
very  satisfactory  ignition  for  a  four  cylinder 
motor  by  using  four  sets  of  four  cells  each,  con- 
nected in  series  multiple  so  as  to  get  a  voltage 
of  only  six  volts.  By  having  the  vibration  re- 
spond quickly  to  the  pull  of  the  magnet  in  the 
coil,  battery  consumption  will  be  greatly  les- 
sened. The  slightest  current  should  separate 
the  contact  points. 

Gasoline  Pipe  Broken.  When  the  gasoline 
pipe  breaks,  a  short  piece  of  rubber  tubing 
forced  over  the  broken  ends  will  do  for  a  short 


60  The  Automobile  Handbook 

time,  but  as  gasoline  attacks  the  rubber,  too 
much  dependence  should  not  be  put  on  it,  and 
the  pipe  should  be  brazed  at  the  nearest  shop. 
If  the  hole  is  only  a  small  one  a  piece  of  soap 
squeezed  in  and  held  in  place  by  a  soaped  rag 
and  string  will  serve  if  gravity  feed  is  use'!I. 
For  pressure  tanks  a  piece  of  rubber  tubing 
split  lengthwise  and  well  soaped  will  tempora- 


rily stop  the  hole,  if  wired  tightly  around  the 
pipe,  but  the  pressure  must  be  kept  low,  other- 
wise the  rubber  tubing  will  be  loosened  and  the 
leaking  commence  again. 

A  leak  is  sometimes  hard  to  locate,  but  if  the 
pipe  is  rubbed  with  soap  suds,  and  then  blown 
through,  the  leak  will  be  located  by  the  bubbles. 

Gear  Teeth  Broken.     If  several  teeth   are 


The  Automobile  Handbook  61 

wrholly,  or  partly  broken  they  may  be  repaired 
in  the  following  manner;  referring  to  Fig.  11 : 
Shape  out  a  dovetail  recess  across  the  face  of 
the  wheel,  cast  or  shape  up  a  brass,  bronze,  or 
steel  segment  and  dovetail  it  in,  driving  it  tight 
Erom  one  side,  and  securing  it  with  screws. 
Then  file  the  teeth  to  a  template  made  from  the 
standing  teeth  of  the  wheel.  For  a  single  tooth 
proceed  in  the  same  way,  no  screws  being  neces- 
sary if  properly  fitted  and  the  ends  peened  over 
with  a  hammer;  or,  file  down  the  broken  tooth 
lush  with  the  bottom,  drill  and  tap  two  or 
:hree  holes,  according  to  the  width  of  the  wheel, 
jcrew  in  capscrews  and  trim  with  a  file.  It 
night  be  well  to  add,  wfeen  removing  a  timing 
^ear  for  repairs,  or  ^ny  other  purpiose,  care 
;hould  be  taken  to  see  that  it,  and  the  gears 
with  which  it  meshes,  are  plainly  marked. 

Miss  Fire  Cylinder.  Should  one  of  the  cyl- 
inders miss  some  of  its  regular  explosions  at 
intervals  when  under  a  load,  it  may  be  located 
by  stopping  the  engine,  and  touching  each  cyl- 
inder with  the  business  end  of  an  unlighted 
match.  The  cylinders  that  have  been  doing 
their  regular  work  will  be  hot  enough  to  ignite 
the  match,  while  the  missing  cylinder  will  not. 

Nuts  and  Screws — ^How  to  Loosen.  Eefrac- 
tory  nuts  may  be  loosened  by  heating,  by  means 
of  a  red-hot  piece  of  iron  held  on  or  near  them 
for  a  few  minutes.  This  will  expand  the  nuts 
and  they  will  then  come  off  readily.  When  a 
screw  cannot  be  readily  loosened  with  a  screw- 


62 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


driver,  the  latter  should  be  pressed  hard  into 
the  slot,  while  a  helper  applies  a  monkey  wrench 
to  the  flat  part  of  the  blade.  A  tight  radiator 
cap  can  be  moved  by  winding  a  quantity  of 
twine,  or  cloth  tightly  around  it. 

Priming.  If  a  motor  does  not  start  readily, 
due  to  not  getting  a  rich  enough  mixture  at 
slow  speed  of  cranking,  tie  a  small  bunch  of 
waste  with  a  wire  close  to  the  air  intake  of  the 


Fig.  12 

Section  of  Radiator  Showing  Washers  Held  by  Wires  on 

Stick,  To  Stop  Leak 

carbureter,  then  prime  by  saturating  the  waste 
with  gasoline.  The  added  vapor  will  make 
starting  easy. 

Radiator  Leaking.  In  case  a  ** honeycomb'* 
radiator  starts  leaking  at  the  end  of  a  cell,  and 
there  is  no  radiator  plug  at  hand,  a  substitute 
may  be  made  by  passing  a  long  bolt  of  small 
diameter  through  the  defective  cell  and  fitting 
each  end  of  the  bolt  with  washers  made  of 
leather,  or  rubber  backed  with  iron  washers  or 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


63 


metal  strips,  and  then  screwing  down  the  imt 
until  the  leak  is  stopped.  If  a  bolt  cannot  be 
oi3tained  a  small  piece  of  wood  may  be  whittled 
down  to  take  its  place,  and  the  washers  secured 
by  means  of  copper  wire  as  shown  in  Fig.  12, 


i 

lll.i 
III 

!' 

Ijllll 

< 

< 

« 

If  a  leak  occurs  inside  one  of  the  cells,  a  sr|«are 
peg  cut  from  soft  wood,  and  covered  with  a 
piece  of  thin  cloth  smeared  with  white  lead  can 
be  used  as  a  plug.  Only  a  moderate  force 
should  be  used  in  these  methods,  as  the  tubes 


64 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


are  easily  buckled.  Leaks  in  gilled  radial 
may  be  stopped  by  applying  a  rubber  patch  I 
in  place  by  tire-tape  and  wire. 

Bods  or  Links  Broken.  The  repair  o 
broken  link  in  the  steering  gear  can  be  effec 
by  placing  the  broken  ends  together  and  fasi 


Fig.  14 

Valve    Spring   Strengthened  by   Inserting  Metal   St 

ing  a  rod  or  a  piece  of  gaspipe  against  the  li 
winding  the  wire  the  entire  length  of  the  r 
If  two  hand  vises  can  be  obtained  they  can 
attached  as  shown  in  Fig.  13.  The  rod  is  t 
to  the  joined  ends  of  the  link  with  wire,  and 
hand  vises  screwed  down  on  both  link  and  r 
Anything  but  slow  running  with  either  of  th 


The  Aulomoiile  Handbook 


65 


repairs  is  out  of  the  question.  Any  other  rod 
aan  be  similarly  repaired  provided  there  is  room 
Cor  the  pipe  or  the  vises  alongside  of  it.  Wire 
sable  can  be  substituted  for  brake  rods,  but  the 
brake  must  be  kept  clear  of  the  drum  by  some 
oaeans  when  not  in  use. 

Squeakino  Springs.  A  frequent  source  of  an- 
aoyance  is  the  squeaking  caused  by  the  leaves  of 
;he  springs  having  become  dry  from  want  of  lu- 
arieation.     When  such  is  the  case,  jack  up  the 


car  until  the  wheels  are  clear  of  the  ground, 
and  the  springs  quite  free.  Then  with  a  thin 
cold  chisel,  or  a  large  screwdriver,  gently  force 
the  leaves  apart,  one  by  one,  and  spread  a  mix- 
ture of  vaseline,  oil  and  graphite  between  them, 
using  an  old  table  knife  or  thin  wooden  paddle 
for  the  purpose.  Where  parts  cannot  be 
reached  in  this  way,  oil  should  be  squirted  in, 
and  if  necessary  the  leaf  clips  may  be  removed 
to  allow  of  this  being  done. 

Tbembler  Blades  Broken.     Corset  steels  may 


66 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


be  used  as  blades  for  trembler  coils,  by  cutting 
them  to  the  proper  length,  and  riveting  the 
platinum  button  from  the  broken  blade  through 
the  hole  which  is  punched  near  the  end.  After 
making  the  holes  for  the  retaining  screw,  the 
blade  is  complete.  A  piece  of  the  main  spring 
of  a  clock  will  also  make  a  good  blade. 

TwmB  Is  Useful  in  Breakdowns.    Autoists 
should  always  carry  15  or  ^  yards  of  strong 


twine  in  their  kit,  as  it  may  be  put  to  various 
uses  about  the  car,  such  as  reinforcing  weak 
spots  in  tires,  protecting  chafed  wires,  and  bind- 
ing together  split  sections  of  the  steering  wheel. 
Twine  may  also  be  used  as  a  substitute  in  the 
absence  of  a  lock  washer,  by  forming  a  loop 
slightly  larger  than  the  diameter  of  :the  nut, 
and  then  wrapping  twine  around  this  loop, 
forming  a  "grommet,"  as  sailors  call  it    When 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


67 


the  But  is  screwed  down  upon  the  grommet  it 
will  be  held  as  firmly  aa  if  fitted  with  a  nnt- 
lock,  and  will  stay  tight  until  the  twine  rots. 

Axles,  Defijutions  of.  The  following  defini- 
tions apply  to  the  forms  of  rear  axles  that  are 
now  and  have  been  in  use  on  shaft-drive  cars. 

A  "live  axle"  (no  longer  used)  is  one  in 
which  the  driving  member  is  carried  by  a  bear- 
ing at  each  end,  the  outer  end  carries  the  wheel 
and  the  inner  end  the  differential. 


Fig.  17 
Semi-Floating  Rear  Axle 

A  "semi-floating  axle,"  Fig.  17,  is  one  in 
which  the  driving  member  is  carried  on  one 
bearing  at  its  outer  end  and  with  the  inner  end 
supported  by  the  differential.  The  outer  end 
carries  the  wheel. 

A  "three-quarter  floating  axle,"  Pig.  18,  is 
one  in  which  the  driving  member  is  carried  by 
the  differential  at  its  inner  end  and  at  the  outer 


68  The  Automobile  Handbook 

end  is  carried  by  the  hub  flange,  the  flange 
being  bolted  to  the  wheel.  The  wheel  is 
carried  by  a  bearing  that  runs  on  the  oatsi 
the  end  of  the  axle  housing  tube. 


A  ' '  full  floating  axle, ' '  Fig.  19,  is  one  in  ■« 
the  driving  member  is  carried  by  the  difliere 
at  it£  inner  end  and  at  the  outer  end  is  cai 
by  a  jaw  clutch,  the  clutch  itself  being  eng 


The  Automobile  SandhooJc  69 

'^with  and  meshing  with  the  wheel  hub.  The 
'wheel  is  then  carried  on  two  bearings  that  run 
~  €m  the  outside  of  the  axle  housing  tube.     With 


Fig.   19 

Full-Vloatlng  Rear  Axle  With  Annular  Ball 

Bearings 

this  constmction,  the  drive  shaft  may  be  entirely 

withdrawn  from  the  car  without  disturbing  the 

wheel  or  other  axle  parts. 


70 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Axle,  Front.  So  far  it  has  not  been  found 
practical  to  combine  the  tractive  and  steering 
functions  of  an  Automobile  in  one  set  of  wheels 
and  axle.  Therefore  it  is  necessary  to  use  a 
rigid  front  axle  with  knuckle  jointed  spindles, 
for  steering  purposes,  and  utilize  the  tractive 
power  of  the.  rear  wheels  only  to  propel  the 
car.  Some  of  the  earlier  forms  of  steering 
axles  had  the  wheel  pivots  inclined  so  as  to 
bring  the  projection  of  the  pivot  axis  in  line 
with  the  point  of  contact  of  the  wheel  with  the 
ground,  but  as  such  constructions  have  not 
proved  satisfactory  they  have  in  most  cases 
been  abandoned. 


Fig.  20 


■The  Aut&mobUe  Handbook 


71 


Front  Axles.  Figures  20  and  21  show  four 
yles  of  front  axles  with  steering-pivot  ends : 
shows  a  solid  axle  of  square  section,  with 
te  Hteering-pivot  jaws  and  axle  proper,  of  a 
ngle  fbrging — B  represents  an  axle  of  tubular 
■oss-seetion  with  the  steering-pivot  jaws  boreil 


■RONT  AXLES 


Fig.  21 

it  to  receive  the  tubular  axle  which  is  firmly 
■azed  therein — C  shows  another  style  of  tubu- 
r  axle,  in  which  the  steering-pivot  jaw  ends 
e  turned  down  to  fit  the  inside  diameter  of 
e  tube  and  are  also  brazed  in  position,  while 
illustrates  a  one-piece  axle  with  vertical  hubs 


72 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Fijr.  22 


The  AutomdbUe  Handbook 


73 


Tin.  23 


TkeAutonwbile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  75 

instead  of  jaws,  which  carry  L-shaped  steering- 
pivots,  instead  of  the  usual  form  of  knuckles. 

Steering  Knuckles.  In  order  to  obtain  ease 
>f  operation  and  secure  the  shortest  turning 
radius  with  the  lejast  movement  of  the  steering 
?v^heel  or  lever,  the  knuckle  of  the  steering  pivot 
jhould  be  as  close  to  the  center  of  the  wheel 
IS  is  possible.  It  is  also  cf  great  importance 
;hat  the  steering  knuckles  should  be  as  heavy 
IS  is  practically  consistent  with  the  size  and 
veight  of  the  car  for  which  they  are  intended, 
'f  this  imporant  point  be  neglected,  rapid  wear 
md  probable  fracture  of  the  knuckles  may  be 
ooked  for. 

A  steering  knuckle  with  a  spindle  and  pivot 
)f  T  shape  is  shown  in  Figure  22.  The  spindle 
md  pivot  N  and  the  steering  arms  0  are  usually 
L  one-piece  forging.  The  steering  arms  0  are 
connected  by  means  of  a  suitable  distance  rod 
ind  the  steering  lever  P  is  attached  to  one  of 
he  pivots  N  by  turning  a  shoulder  upon  it  and 
Dinning  and  brazing  the  steering  lever  and  pivot 
lub  together. 

Figure  23  shows  a  steering  knuckle  with 
jpindle  and  pivot  of  L  shape.  The  steering  arm 
R  goes  on  the  lower  end  of  one  pivot  Q  only, 
ihe  other  pivot  having  the  combined  steering 
irm  and  ever  S  on  its  lower  end.  The  steering 
irms  being  detachable,  the  device  may  be  oper- 
ited  from  the  right  or  left  hand  side  by  simply 
exchanging  the  levers  R  and  S.  The  steering 
lever  S  has  a  ball  upon  its  outer  end  to  fit  in  the 


76  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  AutomohUe  Handbook  77 

ocket  on  the  connecting  rod  of  the  steering 
lechanism. 

Axle,  Eear.  A  live  axle  is  any  axle  contain- 
ig  parts  which  turn  the  wheels  in  addition  to 
arrying  weight. 

Dbad  Axle,  A  dead  axle  ia  an  axle  which 
arries  weight  only. 


BrvelCnu- 

Flg.   26 

Two-Speed  Rear  Axle  With  Two  Bevel  Gears  and 

Two  Pinions 


Floating  Axle.  A  special  type  of  live  axle 
n  which  the  shaft  that  turns  the  wheels  is  in- 
lependent  of  the  axle  proper,  and  may  be  re- 
noved  without  affecting  the  axle's  weight  car- 
ying  capacity. 

In  Pig.  24,  K  and  L  show  respectively  a 
ive  solid  raar  axle  and  a  rigid  tubular  axle, 


78 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


equipped  with  roller-bearings.  The  spring 
form  part  of  the  roller-bearing  boxes  of  the 
axle,  while  they  are  usually  brazed  to  the  1 
lar  axle  near  its  outer  ends. 

A  rigid  tubular  axle  with  ball-bearing 
driving  shaft  is  illustrated  in  Figure  27,  the 
cup  or  race  is  adjustable  by  means  of  a  1 
gon  upon  its  outer  extension  in  the  rear  o 
hub  of  the  wheel  and  is  held  securely  in  pog 


z 


)     / 


BALL  BEARING  AXLE 


Fig.  27 

and  prevented  from  turning  by  means  of 
clamping  device  shown  on  the  upper  portic 
the  bearing.  No  separate  adjustments  foi 
inner  two  sets  of  ball-bearings  are  necesj 
as  the  teeth  of  the  spur  gears  of  the  differe 
which  are  keyed  to  the  inner  ends  of  the  div 
driving  shaft,  being  free  to  slide  upon  t 
selves,  allow  the  shafts  M  to  have  a  flight  L 
tudinal  movement  within  the  axle  tube. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  79 

taking  up  the  wear  of  each  pair  of  ball-bearings 
with  a  single  adjusting  mechanism. 

In  any  style  of  full-floating  axle  the  en- 
tire weight  of  the  rear  end  of  the  car  is  car- 
ried on  the  axle  housing,  or  casing,  leaving  the 
drive-shafts  in  the  axle  with  no  other  work  than 
that  of  revolving  the  wheels.  In  this  axle,  by 
the  removal  of  the  hub  caps,  the  drive-shaft  in 
each  half  of  the  axle  can  be  pulled  out,  owing 
to  its  being  free  in  the  housing,  and  having  gen- 
erally a  squared  end  which  fits  into  the  bevel 
gears  of  the  differential.  In  a  semi-floating  rear 
axle  the  complete  car  weight  at  the  rear  is  car; 
ried  on  the  axle  housing,  identically  as  in  the 
floating  axle,  but  th^  drive-shafts  of  the  axle 
are  not  removable  by  pulling  endwise  through 
the  hub.  This  is  because  these  shafts  are  tightly 
keyed  at  their  inner  ends  with  differentials, 
bevels  or,  as  is  the  case  in  one  or  two  cars,  the 
bevel  gear  is  formed  integrally  with  the  shaft. 

The  newest  type  of  floating  axle  is  that  known 
as  ** three-quarter  floating."  As  will  be  seen 
from  the  definition  on  a  preceding  page,  this 
form  combines  several^f  the  advantages  of  both 
of  the  other  types,  while,  of  course,  having  cer- 
tain disadvantages  of  its  own. 

The  construction  used  in  Fig.  28  s'hows  a 
full-floating  type  of  live  rear  axle  in  which'  the 
bearings  are  of  the  annular  type,  and  the  driv- 
ing jaws  at  the  ends  of  the  shafts  engage  with 
the  hub  in  a  proper  manner  to  abort  failure 
from  lost  motion. 


so 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


In  this  ease  the  tube  is  reduced  in  di&me] 
to  take  the  bearings,  and  the  shoulder 
formed  is  taken  advantage  of  in  the  process 
providing  for  thrust.  The  shaft  has  no  work 
do  excepting  to  take  torsional  moments,  a: 


the  design  throughout  includes  drop  forgin 
of  steel  and  drawn-steel  parts.  The  inner  ra 
of  the  ball  bearings  is  a  sufficiently  heavy  tul 
but  it  is  not  shaped  in  such  a  way  as  to  act  a* 
"preventer  bearing,"  hence  complete  depen 
ence  is  placed  on  the  ball  bearings  and  they  a 


The  Automobile  Handbook  81 

made  large  enough  to  take  the  responsibility. 

Axle,  Heab,  Thbee-Quarters  Floating.  In  ^ 
this  design,  Fig.  18,  the  axle  housing  is  ex- 
tended outward  to  a  point  in  line  with  the  out- 
side surface  of  the  wheel,  and  the  outer  end  is 
made  of  a  diameter  just  large  enough  to  allow 
the  axle  shaft  to  pass  through  it.  Mounted  on 
the  outer  end  of  the  axle  and  directly  in  the 
center  of  the  wheel  is  a  single  bearing,  usually 
of  the  annular  ball  type.  The  wheel  spokes  are 
mounted  in  the  hub  flange  in  the  usual  manner 
and  the  flange  is  carried  upon  the  outer  surface 
of  the  bearing  mentioned  above.  A  large  hub 
forging  is  bolted  to  the  wheel  flange  and  the 
bolts  pass  through  the  spokes  which  hold  the 
brake  drum  on  the  inside.  The  outer  end  of 
the  driving  shaft  is  fastened  into  this  hub  forg- 
ing by  a  key  way  and  taper;  the  inner  end  of 
the  driving  shaft  is  carried  by  the  differential 
in  the  same  manner  as  with  a  full  floating  type. 
It  will  therefore  be  seen  that  the  radial  load  of 
the  wheel  is  carried  on  the  single  bearing  at 
the  end  of  the  housing,  and  this  bearing  is  also 
required  to  carry  the  end  thrust.  The  binding 
strains  that  are  imposed  upon  the  wheel  when 
turning  corners,  for  instance,  are  provided  for 
through  the  rigidity  of  the  driving  shaft,  which 
is  fastened  solidly  into  the  wheel  hub  at  its 
outer  end  and  which  is  carried  by  the  differen- 
tial at  its  inner  end.  This  gives  a  leverage  equal 
in  length  to  the  distance  between  the  outer  bear- 
ing and  point  of  support  in  the  differential. 


82 


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The  Automobile  Handbook  83 

Backfiring,  Causes  of.  This  is  a  term  applied 
to  an  explosion  or  impulse  which  forces  the 
flywheel  of  a  motor  suddenly  backwards,  that 
is,  in  the  opposite  direction  to  its  proper  rota- 
tion. The  term  is  sometimes  used  in  connection 
with  explosions  which  occur  in  the  muffler  from 
the  ignition  of  an  accumulation  of  linburned 
gases. 

When  a  back  kick  occurs  and  the  crank-shaft 
rotates  in  the  reverse  direction,  that  rotation 
must  first  be  stopped  and  a  rotation  started  in 
the  correct  direction.  To  stop  the  back  kick  or 
reverse  rotation  requires  power,  and  to  again 
start  the  correct  rotation  calls  for  power.  The 
forces  that  stop  the  back  kick  are,  the  arm  of 
the  person  cranking  the  weight  of  the  rotating 
flywheel,  and  forcing  one  of  the  other  pistons 
to  compress  the  mixture.  The  force  that  starts 
the  flywheel  in  the  correct  direction  is  the  ex- 
ploding charge  of  gas  in  cylinder  No.  2  as 
illustrated  in  Fig.  29,  in  which  the  piston  in 
No.  1  cylinder  has  not  reached  the  top  dead 
center  on  the  compression  stroke  when  the 
spark  occurs  and  the  reverse  movement  of  th? 
crankshaft  starts.  In  tracing  out  what  happcEs 
the  valve  locations  must  be  considered.  Both 
Valves — intake  and  exhaust — in  No.  1  cylinder 
are  closed  on  the  compression  stroke  and  they 
will  remain  closed  on  the  back  kick  stroke. 
Had  the  motor  been  running,  No.  2  cylinder 
would  have  been  going  down  on  the  explosion 


84  The  Automobile  Hcrndbook 

stroke  of  the  piston,  but  as  there  was  no  previ- 
ous explosion,  the  motor  having  been  idle,  the 
cylinder  would  biB  filled  with  mixture,  with 
both  valves  closed,  as  they  always  are  on  the 
explosion  stroke.  The  piston  in  this  cylinder 
was  normally  going  down;  but,  as  soon  as  the 
back-fire  occurred,  the  piston  would  start  up 
and  the  valves  remaining  closed,  the  mixture 
would  be  compressed.  This  pressure  would  help 
to  stop  the  back  kick,  and  as  soon  as  the  power 
of  back-kick  was  over  the  compression  would 
start  the  piston  down  on  the  proper  explosion 
stroke,  which  would  prove  of  sufficient  power 
to  carry  the  motor  past  the  firing  point  in  the 
other  cylinders.  Cylinders  3  and  4  would  not 
be  factors  at  all,  in  that  the  piston  in  No.  3 
would,  when  the  back-kick  occurred,  be  near 
the  bottom  or  end  of  the  suction  stroke  with  the 
intake  valve  open,  and  when  the  reverse  action 
of  the  piston  set  in  it  would  start  rising,  simply 
driving  the  mixture  out  through  the  open  intake 
valve  and  through  the  carbureter.  Cylinder  No. 
4  was  near  the  completion  of  the  exhaust  stroke 
when  the  back-fire  started,  and  the  exhaust 
valve  was  open.  During  the  reverse  motion 
caused  by  the  back  fire,  the  piston  would  start 
descending,  the  exhaust  valve  remaining  open, 
exhaust  gases  would  be  drawn  into  the  cylinder 
from  the  exhaust  pipe. 

Other  causes  of  back  firing  are, 

( 1 )  A  WEAK  MIXTURE.  Bearing  in  mind  that 
the  mixture  is  the  fuel  of  the  engine,  and  that 


The  Automobile  Handbook  85 

as  in  a  stove,  the  character  of  the  fuel  influences 
its  manner  of  burning,  it  will  be  evident  that 
like  poor  wood,  slaty  coal,  or  other  imperfect 
fuel,  a  weak  mixture  is  a  slow  burner.  This  is 
point  number  one.  Proportionate  to  the  speed 
at  which  it  is  running,  the  motor  has  a  certain 
sharply  defined  period  of  time  in  which  it  must 
complete  each  part  of  its  cycle,  if  it  is  to  operate 
satisfactorily.  Should  the  parts  of  the  cycle 
lap,  or  run  over  into  one  another,  there  is  bound 
to  be  a  hitch  of  some  kind.  The  use  of  a  very 
weak  mixture  causes  just  such  a  hitch  by  rea- 
son of  the  fact  that  it  continues  burning  for 
some  time  after  the  completion  of  the  part  of 
the  cycle  during  which  it  is  supposed  to  func- 
tion, i.  e.,  the  power  stroke.  In  fact,  it  is  still 
burning  when  the  inlet  valve  opens  to  take  in 
a  fresh  charge,  and  as  its  burning  in  the  cylin- 
der maintains  considerable  pressure  therein,  the 
latter,  on  the  lift  of  the  inlet  valve,  escapes 
through  it  and  the  carbureter  with  a  pop, 
exactly  similar  to  that  of  an  unmuffled  exhaust 
except  that  it  is  weaker.  The  remedy  is  more 
gas  or  less  air,  or  sometimes  both,  and  to  find 
out  just  how  much  of  each  is  required,  start 
the  motor  and  very  gradually  cut  down  its 
gasoline  supply  at  the  needle  valve  of  the  car- 
bureter until  the  motor  begins  to  miss.  Then  as 
slowly  increase  the  supply  until  the  motor  will 
run  steadily  and  without  missing  on  the  mini- 
mum opening  of  the  needle  valve.  Lock  the 
latter  in  place.     Then  speed  the  motor  up  by 


86  The  Automobile  Handbook 

opening  the  throttle  and  adjust  the  spring  of 
the  auxiliary  intake  on  the  carbureter  until  the 
motor  is  receiving  sufficient  air  to  enable  it  to 
run  and  develop  plenty  of  power  at  all  speeds. 

(2)  An  overheated  combustion  chamber, 
due  to  a  poor  circulation  of  the  cooling  water — 
causing  self-ignition  of  the  charge  before  the 
proper  time. 

(3)  Advancing  the  ignition  point  too  far 
ahead  when  the  motor  is  running  slowly  under 
a  heavy  load — flywheel  has  not  sufficient  mo- 
mentum to  force  the  piston  over  the  dead  cen- 
ter, against  the  pressure  of  the  already,  ignited 
and   expanding  gases. 

(4)  The  presence  op  a  deposit  op  carbon 
Csoot)  or  a  small  projecting  surface  in  the  com- 
bustion  chamber  which  may  become  incandes- 
cent and  cause  premature  ignition. 

Batteries.  But  two  forms  of  batteries  are 
used  in  automobile  work,  the  dry  cell  and  the 

storage  battery.  Both  are  described  in  the  fol- 
lowing pages.  A  distinction  should  be  noted  be- 
tween battery  and  cell.  A  single  unit,  complete 
in  itself  and  capable  of  giving  a  flow  of  current, 
whether  of  the  dry  or  storage  type,  is  a  cell. 
The  ordinary  dry  cell  gives  a  voltage  of  1^^ 
while  a  storage  cell  gives  approximately  2  volts. 
When  it  is  desired  to  secure  higher  voltages,  two 
or  more  cells  are  used  in  conjunction  with  each 
other  and  the  set  then  becomes  a  battery.  A 
single  cell  is  not  a  battery. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  87 

Batterieo — Dry.  A  dry  battery  of  the  usual 
type  coDBiats  of  a  zinc  cell  which  forma  the 
negative  element  of  the  battery. 


Pig.    30 

Sis  Cells  Boxed  to  Make 

a  Battery 


Fig.   31 

Section    Through 

Dry  Cell 

Dry  Batteries  are  very  generally  used  on 
moderate  speed  and  low-priced  cars.  They  are 
fflmple  in  construction,  comparatively  simple  in 
operation,  and  their  action  is  ea-sy  to  under- 
stand. Each  cell  is  composed  of  three  elements : 
The  carbon,  the  zinc,  and  the  electrolyte.  The 
carbon  usually  takes  the  form  of  a  round  stick 
placed  in  the  center  of  a  cylindrical  vessel  made 
of  zinc  in  sheet  form.  The  space  between  the 
carbon  and  the  zinc  is  filled  with  the  electrolyte. 


88  The  Automobile  Handbook 

generally  a  solution  of  sal-ammoniac,  which  is 
poured  in  on  crushed  coke.  The  top  is  closed, 
or  rather  sealed,  with  pitch  to  prevent  the  loss 
or  evaporation  of  the  liquid.  Through  this, 
project  the  ends  of  the  carbon  and  the  zinc,  these 
being  formed  into  binding  posts  for  holding  the 
wires.  As  this  holding  of  the  wires  must  be  ian 
intimate  relation,  the  usual  form  is  a  threaded 
shank  upon  which  a  pair  of  nuts  are  mounted. 
Between  these  the  wire  to  be  connected .  is 
crushed  or  compressed  by  the  moving  together 
of  the  nuts. 

The  two  poles  or  binding  posts  are  called  the 
positive  and  the  negative,  and:  are  indicated  by 
the  +  sign  for  the  former  and  the  —  sign  for 
the  latter.  Carbon  being  the  positive  element, 
the  +  sign  attaches  to  it.  Now,  the  act  of  con- 
necting these  terminals  together  so  as  to  allow 
a  flow  of  current  allows  of  two  different  meth- 
ods of  procedure,  a  right  and  a  wrong  way,  it 
is  true,  but  that  was  not  what  was  meant. 

In  one  respect  dry  batteries  have  a  decided 
advantage  over  storage  batteries  for  ignition 
purposes,  from  the  fact  that  on  account  of  their 
high  internal  resistance  they  cannot  be  so 
quickly  deteriorated  by  short  circuiting. 

On  account  of  this  high  internal  resistance, 
dry  batteries  will  not  give  so  large  a  volume  of 
current  as  storage  batteries,  but  a  set  of  dry 
batteries  may  be  short  circuited  for  five  min- 
utes without  apparent  injury  and  will  recuper- 
ate in  from  twenty  to  thirty  minutes,  while  a 


The  Automobile  Handbook  89 

.  storage  battery  would  in  all  probability  be 
ruined  under  the  same  conditions. 

It  is  often  desired  to  secure  a  greater  voltage 
than  one  cell  will  give,  or  else  to  secure  a  source 
of  current  that  will  give  a  greater  time  of  ser- 
vice than  can  be  secured  from  the  single  cell.  In 
either  ease,  it  is  customary  to  combine  two  or 
more  cells  in  certain  definite  combinations  and 
connect  them  with  each  other  in  such  a  way 
that  the  desired  voltage  or  length  of  life  is 
realized.  It  is  possible  to  make  such  combina- 
tions by  using  either  dry  or  storage  cells, 
although  storage  cells  are  usually  boxed  after 
forming. 


lb'  Switch  ToEnefifwTmn* 

Pig.    32 
The  Ordinary  Battery  Connection,  in  Series 

Two  methods  are  usually  employed,  viz. : 
series,  and  multiple,  or  parallel.  To  connect 
dry  batteries  in  series,  the  terminals  are  joined 
alternately,  that  is,  the  zinc  of  the  first  is  con- 
nected to  the  carbon  of  the  second,  the  zinc  of 
the  second  to  the  carbon  of  the  third,  etc. 

"When  so  joined,  the  positive  element  is  left 
free  at  one  end,  and  forms  the  positive  terminal 


so  The  Automobile  Handbook 

of  the  group,  which  is  then  considered  as  a  unit. 
The  other  free  end  (the  negative)  forms  the 
negative  tenninal  of  the  unit,  see  Fig.  32,  which 
shows  four  cells  connected  in  aeries. 

Figure  33  shows  four  cells  connected  in  paral- 
lel which  means  that  all  of  the  positive  termi- 
nals are  connected  to  one  common  wire,  and  all 
negatives  are  connected  to  another  wire. 

This  mode  cf  wiring  up  the  cells  gives  a 
smaller  output  for  the  group.  Thus  if  the  in- 
dividual batteries  have  an  internal  resistance 


ToEnguaTrame 


Parallel  Conncctioiie  are  Not  ch  FrtquentI?  Used 
which  is  low  in  comparison  with  the  external 
resistance^  the  total  output  will  be  but  slightly 
more  than  that  of  a  single  cell.  If,  on  the  other 
band,  the  internal  resistance  is  high  relative  tc 
the  external,  the  current  v.'ill  be  roughly  pro- 
portional to  the  number  of  cells. 

Where  the  cells  are  divided  into  sets  or  groups 
of  a  small  number  (four  is  usual) ,  and  more  than 
one  of  these  sets  are  used  at  a  time,  there  are 
again  two  methods  of  joining  them.  These  two 
are  the  same  as  before,  viz.,  series  and  multiple. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


91 


The  former  is  very  seldom  used,  if  ever,  but  the 
other  is  rather  common.  When  two  or  more 
sets  of  batteries,  themselves  connected  in  series 
are,  as  sets,  joined  in  multiple  the  whole  is 
spoken  of  aa  connected  in  series-multiple. 


'foWtch.  ToEng-Rumell 

Fig.  34 

Batteries — Storage.  A  storage  battery  as 
used  in  ignition  service,  is  usually  of  the  lead- 
aeid  type,  in  which  the  electrolyte  is  sulphuric 
acid  and  water  of  a  density  about  1.2 —  specific 
gravity.  The  plates  are  oE  two  classes— posi- 
tives and  negatives — there  being  one  more  nega- 
tive than  positive  in  each  nesting  in  a  ceil. 
The  elements  of  a  cell  of  storage  battery  are 


92 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


given  In  Fig,  35,  and  consist  of  the  following: 
Positive  plates  A,  of  which  there  is  one  fewer 
than  of  negatives ;  negative  plates  B,  of  which 
there  is  always  one  more  than  positives;  sepa- 


Fijr.  35 
Kl.'m.'iiis  nt  As-^ctiiblfil  H.iUpry 

rators  C,  whifh  may  he  of  wood,  rubber,  oi 
other  Ruitahlo  material,  and  if  of  wood  must  be 
trented ;  positive  strap  D.  the  function  of  which 
is  lo  connect  all  the  positive  plates,  across  the 


The  Automobile  Hcmdbook  93 

•top,  into  electrical  relation;  negative  strap  E, 
the  function  of  which  is  to  connect  all  the  nega- 
tive plates,  at  the  top,  in  electrical  relation ;  bat- 
tery jar  F,  made  of  rubber  composition,  light, 
strong  and  acid  proof;  cover  for  the  jar  G,  with 
holes  for  the  terminals  of  the  elements,  and  a 
vent ;  assembled  cell  of  battery  H,  showing  the 
elements  in  place,  separated,  with  cover  on; 
ready  for  connections ;  and  a  battery  box  I,  of 
oak,  usually  contrived  to  hold  three  cells  of 
battery,  sometimes  two. 

The  positive  and  negative  plates,  called  ele- 
ments, consist  essentially  of  a  grid  in  each  case, 
made  of  lead-alloy,  in  which  antimony  is  used 
to  engender  stiffness.  The  grids  are  in  divers 
forms,  depending  upon  the  views  of  several 
makers,  the  idea  being  to  afford  space  for  the 
active  material,  and  to  lock  the  same  in,  so  that 
it  will  not  drift  out,  as  it  is  prone  to  do,  under 
the  action  of  the  charging,  and  discharging  cur- 
rent. Surface  is  the  great  requisite,  and  it  is 
the  aim  to  afford  the  maximum  area  of  the  fin- 
ished plates,  per  pound  of  active  material  used ; 
limiting  the  weight  of  the  supporting  grid,  in 
so  far  as  it  is  possible  to  do  so. 

The  voltage  of  a  battery  of  this  type  is  usu- 
ally 2.2  volts  when  the  circuit  is  closed,  but  it 
drops  to  2  volts  within  the  first  hour  of  using, 
which  pressure  it  usually  maintains  during  the 
next  5  hours,  after  which  the  voltage  declines 
at  a  rapid  rate. 

Adding  Water  to  Cells.    In  service  water 


94  The  Automobile  Handbook 

will  have  to  be  added  to  the  cells  to  compensate 
for  evaporation,  and  for  the  loss  that  takes  place 
during  charge,  brought  about  by  the  entraining 
of  water  with  the  bubbles  of  gas  that  shoot  off 
and  out  of  the  jars,  if  they  are  open,  that  is  to 
say,  if  the  covers  are  removed  before  and  left 
off  during  charging,  which  is  not  usually  the 
case.  The  result  in  any  event  is  in  favor  of  in- 
creasing strength  of  the  electrolyte,  and  water 
will  have  to  be  added  from  time  to  time  in  order 
that  the  plates  may  not  be  exposed  to  the  atmos- 
phere above  the  line  of  active  material;  which 
is  a  point  that  must  be  cared  for  if  the  battery 
is  to  last  for  a  long  time.  The  water  so  added 
should  be  pure — distilled — and  the  right  quan- 
tity to  add,  will  be  determined  by  means  of  a 
hydrometer  placed  in  each  cell  between  the  sepa- 
rators if  there  is  sufficient  room,  or  the  electro- 
lyte may  be  withdrawn,  through  the  utility  of  a 
gun  made  of  hard  rubber  with  a  long  slender 
neck.  The  test  should  be  made  when  the  bat- 
tery is  charged  and  every  cell  should  be  exam- 
ined rather  than  to  test  one  cell  and  conclude 
that  all  are  in  an  average  condition. 

Storage  Batteries — Care  op.  Among  the 
troubles  that  ultimately  attend  batteries  in  serv- 
ice the  following  are  the  most  conspicuous : 

Hardening  of  negative  elements ;  local  action ; 
buckling  of  plates ;  shedding  of  active  material ; 
snlphation;  reversal  of  negative  elements;  dis- 
integration of  grids;  protruding  active  mate* 
rial ',  deformation  of  separators ;  broken  jars ;  in- 


^  The  Automobile  Haiidbook  95 

dpient  short  circuits;  defective  electrical  con- 
tact :  loss  of  capacity ;  loss  of  voltage ;  corrosion 
)f  plates,  and  needle  formations. 

Hardening  of  the  negative  elements  will  fol- 
ow  if  they  are  exposed  to  air,  as  when  the  elec- 
xolyte  is  allowed  to  fall  below  the  level  of  the 
elates,  from  any  process  that  will  produce  over- 
oxidization  if  the  temperature  is  allowed  to  in- 
crease much  above  90  degrees  Fahrenheit, 
^hen  the  negative  elements  are  hard,  to  reduce 
;hem  back  to  the  normal  condition,  assuming 
:he  prouess  is  not  too  far  gone:  Remove  the 
dements  from  the  jar,  place  the  negatives  in  a 
jell,  with  dummy  positives,  and  charge  until 
he  negatives  are  corrected,  taking  care  not  to 
charge  at  a  too  high  rate.  High  temperature 
md  excess  boiling  should  be  avoided.  If  the 
legatives  are  charged  in  their  own  cell  with 
ihe  regular  positives  the  positives  will  be  dam- 
iged  by  the  excess  charging  that  will  be  neces- 
lary  to  reduce  the  negatives.  When  the  nega- 
ives  are  sufficiently  charged  to  correct  the  evil 
hey  may  be  returned  to  their  own  cell,  and 
vhen  connected  up  with  the  positives  the  cell 
vill  be  ready  to  go  into  service  again,  if  in  the 
neantime  the  positives  are  given  such  attention 
IS  their  condition  would  seem  to  indicate.  Local 
Lction,  following  impurities  in  the  electrolyte, 
vill  only  be  prevented  as  much  as  it  is  possible 
o  do  so  when  the  electrolyte  is  removed  and 
)ure  electrolyte  substituted  in  its  stead.  This 
ihould  be  done  when  the  cells  are  fully  charged 


96  The  Automobile  Hcmdbook 

The  electrolyte  will  hold  most  of  the  impurities 
when  the  battery  is  in  the  fully  charged  state. 

Buckling  of  plates,  when  batteries  are  defec- 
tive in  design,  rather  than  in  cells  of  normal 
characteristics,  is  a  trouble  that  will  follow  in 
any  cell  if  the  discharge  is  allowed  to  extend 
below  1.8  volt  as  indicated  by  the  cadmium  test, 
rather  than  by  the  usual  potential  difference 
reading  across  the  two  sets  of  elements  in  the 
cell.  If  the  rate  of  discharge  is  excessive,  a 
condition  that  is  not  likely  in  ignition  work, 
buckling  will  follow  also.  Short-circuiting  the 
elements  to  see  if  the  battery  is  alive  will  tend 
to  buckle  the  plates,  due  to  the  heavy  discharge, 
and  the  uneven  rate  of  discharge  over  the  sur- 
faces of  the  elements.  In  defective  construction, 
if  the  active  material  is  not  of  the  same  porosity, 
thickness,  and  in  the  same  condition  all  over  the 
surfaces  of  the  plates,  buckling  will  follow. 

Shedding  of  the  active  material,  to  a  slight 
extent,  is  a  normal  condition  of  batteries;  and 
to  prevent  trouble  due  to  incipient  short  cir- 
cuits, such  shedding  is  cared  for  by  having  a 
space  in  the  bottom  of  cells  to  hold  such 
shedded  material.  When  elements  are  of  in- 
ferior design  and  improperly  constructed  the 
active  material  will  shed  at  a  rapid  rate,  and 
the  user  of  the  battery  can  do  nothing  more  than 
demand  a  new  battery  to  replace  the  defective 
one.  If  charfring  is  done  at  a  too  rapid  rate 
the  active  material  will  be  loosened  by  the  raj)- 
idly  escaping  gas,  and  even  on  discharge,  if  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  97 

is  high,  the  shedding  of  active  material  is 
y  to  follow. 

ilphation,  which  is  a  normal  expectation 
ng  discharge  of  a  battery,  introduces  serious 
plications  under  certain  conditions  as  when 
active  material  is  not  in  intimate  contact 
1  the  grids  thus  allowing  the  electrolyte  to 
between  the  grids  and  the  active  material, 
h  the  result  that  sulphate,  which  is  a  high 
stance  material,  isolates  the  grids  and  re- 
tes  the  efficiency  of  the  cell  in  two  ways; 
t,  by  increasing  the  ohmic  losses,  and,  second, 
lowering  the  chemical  activity.  Excess  sui- 
te is  prone  to  form  when  the  electrolyte  is 

of  l)alance,  and  one  of  the  best  ways  to 
rt  this  action  is  to  keep  the  electrolyte  with- 
he  prescribed  limits  of  strength.  If  sulphate 
llowed  to  form  until  white  crystals  show  over 
surfaces  of  the  plates,  it  is  highly  improb- 
i  that  the  cells  will  ever  be  of  sufficient  serv- 
to  warrant  continuing  them  in  service.  Xhe 
r  way  to  afford  relief  lies  in  reducing  the 
wth  of  sulphate  by  continuous  charging  the 
:  elements  in  a  cell  with  dummies  until  the 
>hate  is  reduced.  A  slow  rate  for  a  long 
3  may  bring  about  a  reform, 
egative  elements  to  be  reversed  must  be 
w  capacity,  or  the  cells  must  be  discharged 
:ero  and  then  reversed.  In  charging  it  is 
iys  necessary  to  make  sure  that  the  connec- 
s  are  made  in  such  a  way  that  current  will 
into  the  battery,  rather  than  out  of  it.  Volt- 


98  The  Automobile  Handbook 

meters  in  which  permanent  magnets  are  used 
will  serve  as  polarity  indicators,  and  with  them 
it  is  possible  to  proceed  with  safety.  If  a  bat- 
tery is  connected  up  in  reverse  when  it  is  put  on 
charge,  instead  of  being  charged  it  will  be  dis- 
charged, and  then  charge  in  reverse.  While  it 
is  discharging  it  will  deliver  current  to  the  line. 

Disintegration  of  grids  will  follow  if  the  im- 
purities are  allowed  to  enter  the  electrolyte,  as 
iron,  etc.  Continued  charging  will  also  have 
the  effect  of  reducing  the  grids  to  form  salts 
of  lead. 

Protruding  active  material,  due  to  expansion 
and  displacement  of  the  same,  indicates  a  lack 
of  binding  relation  between  the  grids  and  the 
active  materials.  There  is  no  remedy.  Defor- 
mation of  separators,  when  they  are  made  of 
rubber  compound,  follows  when  the  cells  are 
allowed  to  heat  beyond  a  certain  point.  This 
trouble  will  be  aborted  if  the  cells  are  charged 
at  a  normal  rate,  and  if  the  temperature  is  not 
allowed  to  increase  beyond  about  90  degrees 
Fahrenheit.  When  wood  separators  are  used 
they  will  slowly  rot  and  in  time  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  replace  them. 

Broken  jars  will  allow  the  electrolyte  to  leak 
out,  and  frequently  the  fracture  is  but  a  minute 
crack,  so  that  it  is  well  to  be  on  the  lookout 
for  just  this  kind  of  trouble.  If  the  jars  are 
properly  nested  and  motion  between  them  is 
prevented  they  will  as  a  rule  serve  without 
breaking. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  99 

Incipient  short  circuits  «re  likely  to  go  tm- 
noticed.  They  are  generally  due  to  detached 
particles  of  active  material  that  lodge  between 
the  plates,  especially  in  vehicle  and  ignition 
types,  owing  to  the  short  distance  separating 
the  plates,  and  the  use  of  separators,  such  as 
perforated  rubber  in  the  absence  of  wood,  which 
have  the  virtue  of  being  porous  but  too  close  to 
allow  the  active  material  to  bridge  across  the 
space  between  the  plates. 

Defective  electrical  contact  is  due  to  corrod- 
ing of  joints  that  are  not  made  by  burning. 

Loss  of  capacity  may  be  traced  to  such  causes 
as :  If  the  electrolyte  is  out  of  balance  or  below 
the  level  of  the  top  of  the  plate ;  loss  of  active 
material  from  the  grids;  sulphate  formed  on 
the  surfaces  of  the  grids,  ?solating  the  active 
material ;  lack  of  porosity  of  the  active  material ; 
impurities  and  sulphate  clogging  up  the  pores 
of  the  active  material;  low  temperature;  high 
temperature;  persistent  sulphation,  and  inter- 
cell  leakage  due  to  electrolyte  spilled  over  the 
surfaces,  especially  if  jars  are  in  actual  contact 
with  each  other. 

Loss  of  voltage,  as  distinguished  from  loss  of 
capacity,  follows  in  a  battery  when  one  or  more 
of  the  cells  are  dead  or  below  voltage.  If  one 
or  more  of  the  cells  are  reversed  they  will  set  up 
a  counter-electro-motive  force,  and  the  over-all 
reading  of  the  battery  will  be  reduced  accord- 
ingly.    The  remedy  is  obvious.     All  the  cells 


100  The  Automobile  Handbo/c 

should  read  the  same  way,  and  all  should  ha^' 
the  same  difference  of  potential,  respectively. 

In  view  of  the  sulphated  condition  that  a1 
tends  all  batteries  that  are  discharged  at  a  loi 
rate  for  a  long  time,  as  is  the  case  in  ignitio: 
work,  it  is  necessary  to  charge  at  a  low  rate  fo 
a  long  time  in  order  to  reduce  the  sulphate 
which  is  in  persistent  form  and  very  difficul 
to  reduce.  It  will  not  be  enough  to  correct  th 
strength  of  the  electrolyte  once  during  th< 
charging  process  for  the  reason  that  it  w^ill  b 
difficult,  if  not  impossible,  lo  ascertain  the  eon 
dition  of  the  same  with  any  degree  of  accuracy 
and  the  necessity  for  noting  strength  two  o 
three  times  in  the  act  of  charging  is  apparent 
When  the  battery  is  fully  charged,  which  ma; 
take  even  sixty  hours  of  continuous  charginj 
at  a  low  rate,  the  electrolyte  in  every  cell  shoul( 
^itand  at  full  strength,  considering  a  state  o 
full  charge,  and  the  color  as  well  as  other  indi 
cations  of  a  full  charge  should  be  fully  noted 
Boiling  at  a  slow  rate  should  be  tolerated  fo; 
several  hours,  but  the  temperature  should  h 
held  at  about  90  degrees  Fahrenheit  during  th( 
entire  time.  If  a  battery  is  charged  at  frequen 
intervals  it  will  last  longer  in  service,  give  lea 
trouble  in  charging  and  will  be  more  reliable  ii 
service.  It  is  well  to  begin  charging  directly  i 
battery  is  taken  out  of  service  as  any  delaj 
after  that  time  will  result  in  a  marked  deteriora 
tion  of  the  cells. 

When  a  car  is  put  out  of  commission,  ever 


The  Automobile  Handbook  101 

for  a  few  weeks,  the  battery  should  be  given  a 
light  discharge,  and  a  subsequent  charge  as 
often  as  once  a  week,  until  it  is  again  brought 
back  into  use. 

Storage  Batteries  —  Charging.  Positive 
plates  in  the  charged  state  are  of  a  velvety 
brown  or  chocolate  color;  negative  plates  have 
the  color  of  sponge  lead,  which  is  very  nearly 
light  gray.  When  a  battery  is  approaching  a 
condition  of  full  charge  the  color  tones  up  quite 
noticeably,  and  it  is  possible  to  mistake  a  con- 
dition of  full  charge,  if  color  alone  is  taken  as 
the  evidence ;  the  exterior  will  have  the  appear- 
ance of  full  charge,  since  the  active  material, 
on  the  exterior  surface,  will  reach  its  charged 
form  first ;  if  the  thickness  of  active  material  on 
the  grids  is  very  thick,  as  it  is  likely  to  be  in 
low  discharge  rate  work,  charging  by  color, 
as  evidence  of  a  state  of  full  charge,  will  be  to 
limited  advantage.  Details  regarding  the 
proper  care  and  upkeep  of  storage  batteries  are 
given  in  the  following  pages. 

Storage  Batteries — Testing.  Tests  for  im- 
purities in  the  electrolyte  may  be  made  as  fol- 
lows.   For  iron; 

Neutralize  a  quantity  of  the  electrolyte  to  be 
investigated,  after  diluting  the  same,  by  the 
addition  of  an  equal  amount  of  pure  distilled 
water,  using  strong  ammonia  water  for  the  pur- 
pose. To  the  solution,  so  neutralized,  add  one- 
thirtieth  of  the  amount  of  the  same  of  hydro- 
gen peroxide,  thus  reducing  any  iron  present 


102  The  Automobile  Handbook 

to  the  ferric  state.  If  a  sample  of  this  solution 
is  rendered  alkaline  by  the  addition  of  a  suffi- 
cient quantity  of  ammonia  water,  then,  if  iron 
is  present,  enough  to  amount  to  anything  of 
great  moment,  from  the  battery  point  of  view, 
a  brownish  red  precipitate  will  form.  A  test 
for  chlorine  is  as  follows: 

Make  a  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  in  the 
proportion  of  20  grams  of  the  same,  in  1,000 
cubic  centimeters  of  pure  distilled  water,  and 
add  a  few  drops  of  this  solution  to  a  small  quan- 
tity of  the  electrolyte  to  be  investigated;  if 
chlorine  is  present  the  solution  will  turn  white, 
owing  to  the  formation  of  chloride  of  silver, 
which  will  precipitate  out. 

A  test  for  nitrates  is  as  follows :  In  a  test  tube, 
holding  25  cubic  centimeters  of  electrolyte  to  be 
tested,  add  10  grams  of  ferrous  sulphate;  to 
this  carefully  add  10  cubic  centimeters  of  chem- 
ically-pure sulphuric  acid  by  pouring  the  same 
slowly  down  the  side  of  the  tube;  in  the  pres- 
ence of  nitric  acid,  a  brown  solution  will  form 
between  the  electrolyte  to  be  tested,  and  the 
concentrated  solution  of  sulphuric  acid. 

The  presence  of  copi)er  may  be  detected  from 
the  fact  that  when  ammonia  solution  is  added 
to  electrolyte,  a  bluish-white  precipitate  will 
form.  In  testing  for  mercury,  lime  water,  if  it 
is  added  to  electrolyte  in  wliich  mercury  is  pres- 
ent will  evolve  a  black  precipitate.  Testing  for 
acetic  acid  is  as  follows:  To  a  small  quantity 
of  the  electrolyte  to  be  tested,  add  enough  am- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  103 

monia  water  to  render  tlie  same  neutral ;  ferric 
chloride  added  to  this  solution  will  cause  the 
some  to  turn  red  in  the  presence  of  acetic  acid 
and  the  solution  will  then  bleach,  provided 
hydrochloric  acid  is  added,  thus  affording  con- 
■clusive  proof  of  the  presence  of  the  undesired 
acetic  acid. 


Pig.   36 
Section  Through  Storage  Battery  Used  For  Light- 
ing and  Engine  Starting 

Battery,  Storajfe,  Starting  and  Lighting 
^pea.  The  foregoing  description  and  instruc- 
tions relating  to  storage  batteries  apply  equally 
well  to  ignition,  starting  and  lighting  types. 
The  following  rules  include  the  standard  bat- 
tery instructions  adopted  by  the  Society  of 
Automobile  Engineers  for  the  installation  and 


104  The  Automobile  Handbook 

care  of  batteries  used  in  connection  with  elec- 
tric lighting  and  starting  systems. 

Batteries  must  be  properly  installed.  Keep 
battery  securely  fastened  in  place.  Battery 
must  be  accessible  to  facilitate  regular  adding 
of  water  to,  and  occasional  testing  of,  solution. 
Battery  compartment  must  be  ventilated  and 
drained,  must  keep  out  water,  oil  and  dirt  and 
must  not  afford  opportunity  for  anything  to  be 
laid  on  top  of  battery.  Battery  should  have 
free  air  space  on  all  sides,  should  rest  on  cleats 
rather  than  on  a  solid  bottom,  and  holding  de- 
vices should  grip  case  or  case  handles.  A  cover, 
cleat  or  bar  pressing  down  on  the  cells  or  ter- 
minals must  not  be  used. 

Keep  battery  and  interior  of  battery  compart- 
ment wiped  clean  and  dry.  Do  not  permit  an 
open  flame  near  the  battery.  Keep  all  small 
articles,  especially  of  metal,  out  of  and  away 
from  the  battery.  Keep  terminals  and  connec- 
tions coated  with  vaseline  or  grease.  If  solu- 
tion has  slopped  or  spilled,  wipe  off  with  waste 
wet  with  ammonia. 

Pure  water  must  be  added  to  all  cells  regu- 
larly and  at  sufficiently  frequent  intervals  to 
keep  the  solution  at  proper  height.  Add  water 
until  solution  is  level  with  inside  cover.  Never 
let  solution  get  below  top  of  plates.  Plugs  must 
be  removed  to  add  water,  then  replaced  and 
screwed  on  after  filling.  The  battery  should 
preferably  be  inspected  and  filled  with  water 
once  every  week  in  warm  weather  and  once 


The  Automobile  Handbook  105 

every  two  weeks  in  cold  weather.  Do  not  use 
acid  or  electrolyte,  only  pure  water.  Do  not  use 
any  water  known  to  contain  even  small  quan- 
tities of  salts  of  any  kind.  Distilled  water, 
melted  artificial  ice  or  fresh  rain  water  are 
recommended.  Use  only  a  clean  metallic  vessel 
for  handling  or  storing  water.  Add  water  regu- 
larly, although  the  battery  may  seem  to  work  all 
right  without  it. 

The  best  way  to  ascertain  the  condition  of 
the  battery  is  to  test  the  specific  gravity  (den- 
sity) of  the  solution  in  each  cell  with  a  hydrom- 
eter. This  should  be  done  regularly.  A  con- 
venient time  is  when  adding  water,  but  the 
reading  should  be  taken  before,  -rather  than 
after,  adding  water.  A  reliable  specific  gravity 
test  cannot  be  made  after  adding  water  and 
before  it  has  been  mixed  by  charging  the  bat- 
tery or  running  the  car. 

To  take  a  reading  insert  the  end  of  the  rub- 
ber tube  in  the  cell.  Squeeze  and  then  slowly 
release  the  rubber  bulb,  drawing  up  electrolyte 
from  the  cell  until  the  hydrometer  floats.  The 
reading  on  the  graduated  stem  of  the  hydrom- 
eter at  the  point  where  it  emerges  from  the 
solution  is  the  specific  gravity  of  the  electro- 
lyte. After  testing,  the  electrolyte  must  always 
be  returned  to  the  cell  from  which  it  was 
drawn.  The  gravity  reading  is  expressed  in 
"points,**  thus  the  difference  between  1.250 
and  1.275  is  25  points. 

When  all  cells  are  in  good  order,  the  gravity 


106  The  Automobile  Handbook 

will  test  about  the  same  (within  25  points)  in 
all.  Gravity  above  1.200  indicates  battery  more 
than  half  charged.  Gravity  below  1.200,  but 
above  1.150,  indicates  battery  less  than  half 
charged.  When  the  battery  is  found  to  be  half 
discharged,  use  the  lamps  sparingly  until  the 
gravity  is  restored  to  at  least  1.250.  If  by 
using  the  lamps  sparingly,  the  battery  does  not 
come  back  to  condition,  there  is  trouble  in  the 
wiring  or  generator  system  which  should  be 
investigated  and  remedied  immediately.  Grav- 
ity below  1.150  indicates  battery  completely 
discharged  or  **run  down."  A  run  down  bat- 
tery is  always  the  result  of  lack  of  charge  or 
waste  of  current.  If,  after  having  been  fully 
charged,  the  battery  soon  runs  down  again, 
there  is  trouble  somewhere  in  the  system  which 
should  be  located  and  corrected.  Putting  acid 
or  electrolyte  into  the  cells  to  bring  up  specific 
gravity  can  do  no  good  and  may  do  great  harm. 
Acid  or  electrolyte  should  never  be  put  into 
the  battery  except  by  an  experienced  battery 
man. 

Gravity  in  one  cell  markedly  lower  than  in 
the  other,  especially  if  successive  readings  show 
the  difference  to  be  increasing,  indicates  that 
the  cell  is  not  in  good  order.  If  the  cell  regu- 
larly requires  more  water  than  the  others,  thus 
lowering  the  gravity,  a  leaky  jar  is  indicated. 
Even  a  slow  leak  will  rob  a  cell  of  all  of  its 
electrolyte  in  time  and  the  leaky  jar  should  im- 
mediately be  replaced  with  a  good  one.    If  there 


The  Automobile  Handbook  107 

is  no  leak  and  the  gravity  is,  or  becomes,  50  to 
75  points  below  that  in  the  other  cells,  a  partial 
short  circuit  or  other  trouble  within  the  cell  is 
indicated.  A  partial  short  circuit,  if  neglected, 
may  seriously  injure  the  battery  and  should 
receive  the  prompt  attention  of  a  good  battery 
repair  man. 

A  battery  charge  is  complete  when,  with 
charging  current  flowing  at  the  finish  rate 
given  on  the  battery  plate,  all  cells  are  gassing 
(bubbling)  freely  and  evenly  and  the  gravity 
of  all  cells  has  known  no  further  rise  during  one 
hour.  The  gravity  of  the  solution  in  cells  fuily 
charged  as  above  is  between  1.275  and  1.300. 

If  for  any  reason  an  extra  charge  is  needed 
it  may  be  accomplished  by  running  the  engine 
idle,  or  by  using  direct  current  from  an  out- 
side source;  In  charging  from  an  outside  source 
use  direct  current  only.  Limit  the  current  to 
the  proper  rate  in  amperes  by  connecting  a  suit- 
able resistance  in  series  with  the  battery.  In- 
candescent lamps  are  convenient  for  this  pur- 
pose. Connect  the  positive  battery  terminal 
(with  red  post,  or  marked  P  or  +)  to  the  posi- 
tive charging  wire  and  negative  to  negative. 
If  reversed,  serious  injury  may  result.  Test 
charging  wires  for  positive  and  negative  with 
a  voltmeter  or  by  dipping  the  ends  in  a  glass 
of  water  containing  a  few  drops  of  electrolyte, 
when  bubbles  will  form  on  the  negative  wire. 
When,  charging,  start  at  the  starting  rate  and 
continue  the  charge  at  this  rate  until  the  cells 


108  The  Automobile  Handbook 

gas  freely.  Then  continue  the  charge  for  six 
hours  at  the  finish  rate.  The  specific  gravity 
at  the  end  of  the  charge  should  read  between 
1.275  and  1.300.  If  the  specific  gravity  does 
not  reach  this  point,  continue  the  charge  at  the 
finish  rate  until  the  specific  gravity  stops  ris- 
ing, which  is  an  indication  that  the  battery  is 
fully  charged. 

A  battery  which  is  to  stand  idle  should  first 
be  fully  charged.  A  battery  not  in  active 
service  may  be  kept  in  condition  for  use  by 
giving  it  a  freshening  charge  at  least  once  a 
month,  but  should  preferably  also  be  given  a 
thorough  charge  after  an  idle  period  before  it 
is  replaced  in  service.  Disconnect  the  leads 
from  a  battery  that  is  not  in  service,  so  that  it 
may  not  lose  charge  through  any  slight  leak 
in  car  wiring.. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


109 


Bearings,  Ball.  Ball  bearings  may  be  broadly 
divided  into  three  classes— thrust,  cone  and  an- 
nular. Thrust  bearings  are  those  intended  to 
sustain  end  thrust,  and  in  them  care  must  be 
exercised  to  see  that  the  points  of  contact  of 
the  balls  are  exactly  opposite,  and  that  the 
grooves  in  which  the  balls  run  are  formed  to  a 
sectional  radius  a  little  larger  than  that  of  the 
balls,  thereby  securing  safe  and  easy  move- 
ment of  the  balls.  These  grooves  must  be  de- 
signed not  only  to  give  smooth  rolling  contact, 
but  so  that  a  measurable  area  of  the  ball  *s  sur- 
face contacts  with  the  race.  It  is  also  possible 
for  a  thrust  bearing  to  act  at  the  same  time  as 
a  radial  bearing,  in  which  case,  however,  the 
four-point  system  must  be  used.  In  thrust  bear- 
ings the  balls  are  constantly  under  pressure  and 
table  5  gives  suitable  loads  for  equal  shaft  diam- 
eters and  revolutions  for  different  sizes  and 
numbers  of  balls : 

TABLE  5. 


Shaft 

Allowable 

Number 

Ball 

Diameter, 

Load 

R.P.M. 

of 

Diameter 

in   Inches. 

lbs. 

Balls 

in   Inches 

2.55 

550 

500 

22 

% 

2.55 

1.000 

500 

15 

% 

2.55 

1,200 

500 

14 

11/16 

2.55 

1,300 

500 

13 

% 

2.55 

1,600 

500 

12 

% 

2.55 

1,800 

500 

10 

1 

The  adjustable  cone  bearing.  Fig.  39,  has  been 
used  in  millions  of  bicycles  with  excellent  re- 
sults, but  under  large  loads  has  been  found  in- 
adequate. A  ball  can  roll  freely  only  with  op- 
posite points  in  contact,  and  every  third  or 


no 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


fourth  point  of  contact  involves  more  or  less 
spinning,  or  sliding  movement  of  the  ball,  which 
shortens  its  life,  and  the  bearing  must  operate 
to  the  detriment  of  the  contact  surfaces. 

The  third  and  great  type  of  ball  bearing  is 
the  so-called  annular  one  intended  for  radial 
loads.  It  consists  of  three  elements — two  races 
and  the  balls.  The  new  annular  bearings  re- 
quire no  adjustment  or  fitting,  and  the  rolling 
action  of  the  balls  takes  place  without  interfer- 
ence of  friction.  A  wonderful  advantage  of 
this  bearing  is  that  as  high  as  96  per  cent  of  the 
space  between  the  races  can  be  filled  with  balls, 
the  balls  being  introduced  through  filling  lots 
whose  size  is  a  little  less  than  the  diameter  of 
the  balls  to  be  introduced,  so  that  the  balls  are 
forced  between  the  two  races  under  pressure 
and  by  virtue  of  the  elasticity  of  the  material. 
In  tlie  annular  bearing  but  30  per  cent  of  the 
balls  are  under  load  at  one  time,  and  it  is  pos- 
sible for  equal  axle  sizes  and  speeds  to  use  dif- 
ferent dimensions  and  loading  according  to 
the  size  of  the  balls.  Table  6  gives  suitable 
loads  for  equal  shaft  diameter,  and  revolutions 
for  various  sizes,  and  numbers  of  balls. 


TABLE  6. 


Shaft 

Allowable 

Diam. 

load   on 

inches 

Bearing,  lbs 

,'i.l4 

1,000 

3.14 

1.300 

.S.14 

2.500 

3.14 

3,000 

3.14 

4.500 

R.    P.    M. 

No.  of 

Balls 

500 

20 

500 

21 

500 

12 

500 

14 

500 

11 

Diam.  of 

Balls, 

Inches 


1 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ai 


Annular  ball  bearings  are  also  made  with  two 
rows  of  balls,  and  in  the  majority  of  them  each 
ball  is  Id  a  separate  cage.  Experiments  have 
proven  that,  where  the  balls  contact  with  one 
another,  after  a  few  years  the  friction  results  in 
grooves  being  worn  in  them.  In  Fig.  37  is  shown 
the  form  of  separator  used  in  the  F.  &  S.  bear- 
ings.   If  in  the  application  of  this  bearing  it  is 


necessary  to  sustain  heavy  axle  loads,  it  is  ab- 
solutely necessary  to  add  ar.  independent  thrust 
bearing,  or  to  employ  a  combination  bearing 
which  takes  the  place  of  bolt  thrust  and  radial 


Ball  Bearings — Two  in  One.  Pigs.  38,  39, 
and  40  illustrate  a  ball  bearing  manufactured  at 
Bristol,  Conn.,  which  owing  to  its  dual  ability  aa 


112 


The  AutwnobUe  Handbook 


&ti  expressed  by  its  name  ("two  in  one")  la 
especially  adapted  to  automobile  service.  Its 
makers  claim  that  it  is  able  to  withstand  radial 
or  thrust  loads,  or  any  combination  of  the  two, 
with  the  use  of  but  a  single  bearing  with  its 
attendant  simplicity  of  mounting.  In  order  to 
bring  about  this  result,  two  rows  of  balls  are 
employed  in  staggered  relation  to  one  another, 
and  the  ball  races  are  so  arranged  that  the  line 


of  pressure  is  either  at  an  angle  of  45  degrees 
or  60  degrees  with  the  horizontal,  when  the  axis 
of  rotation  of  the  bearing  is  in  a  horizontal 
plane. 

Figure  38  shows  the  pennnnent  assembly  of 
the  bearing,  sufficient  metal  being  provided  in 
the  shell  to  permit  of  drawing  the  latter  tightly 
over  the  cups. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


113 


Figure  39  shows  the  various  parts  of  this 
bearing,  and  Fig.  40  is  a  semi-sectional  view 
showing  the  order  of  their  assembly,  from  the 
shaft  outward,  as  follows ;  the  cone,  the  separa- 
tor, the  two  cups  and  the  shell.  It  will  be  no- 
ticed that  the  line  of  pressure  of  the  cone,  eups, 


and  balls  is  at  an  angle  of  45  degrees  with  the 
horizontal,  and  this  feature  applies  equally  to 
both  rows  of  balls,  thus  adapting  the  bearing 
to  withstand  a  load  from  any  angle.  Two  semi- 
circular races  are  turned  in  the  cone  to  receive 
the  balls,  while  the  sheet  metal  separator  is  so 
stamp''d   that   the   ball    ret'-ining  notches   are 


114  The  Automobile  Handbook 

staggered  with  reference  to  each  other.  These 
openings  are  made  slightly  larger  than  the  ball 
diameter,  so  that  the  contact  between  the  ball 
and  separator  is  said  to  be  a  point  contact  at 
one  end  of  the  axis  of  rotation^  while  the  weight 
by  separator  is  carried  on  the  balls  at  the  top 
of  the  hearing.  By  maintaining  the  relative 
positions  of  the  balls  at  all  times,  cross  friction 


it  is  claimed  is  entirely  eliminated,  while  the 
friction  introduced  by  llie  use  of  the  separator 
is  practically  negligible. 

Ball  Beabings — Lubrication  of.  Ball  bear- 
ings must  be  so  housed  in  as  to  retain  lubricant 
and  exclude  dust,  grit,  etc.  An  impression  that 
ball  bearings  will  operate  without  lubricant  is 
quite  general.  It  is  barely  possible  that  abso- 
'utcly   true   spheres  might  roll   on   absolutely 


The  Automobile  Handbook  115 

true  surfaces  if  both  were  made  of  materials 
that  were  absolutely  inelastic,  and  therefore 
would  remain  true  under  load.  But  since  such 
absolute  perfection  of  the  shape  is  not  to  be  had, 
some  means  must  be  taken  to  provide  and  re- 
tain lubricant. 

Bust  and  acid  must  be  kept  out  of  ball  bear- 
ings. Experience  and  most  carefully  conducted 
tests  have  proven  that  long  life  under  load  can 
be  realized  from  ball  bearings  only  when  the 
surfaces  are  not  only  true,  but  are  also  highly 
polished  and  smooth.  Roughness  will  be  broken 
down  and  leave  still  greater  roughness.  Rust 
and  acid  will  destroy  originally  true  and  smooth 
surfaces.  Since  not  a  few  lubricants  contain 
free  acids,  care  in  their  choice  must  be  exercised. 
Plentiful  lubrication  and  a  properly  closed 
mounting  are  safeguards  against  rust. 

In  the  lubrication  of  ball  bearings  it  is  advis- 
able to  use  vaseline;  or,  when  a  lubricant  of 
greater  body  or  stiffness  is  desired,  to  use  a  mix- 
ture of  vaseline  and  some  high-grade  mineral 
grease.  The  grades  known  as  semi-fluid  are  very 
well  suited  for  this  use  and  any  combination 
may  be  used  with  success  in  such  cases. 

Annular  Ball  Bearings.  In  the  annular  ball 
bearing,  Fig.  42,  a  race  of  balls  C  is  contained 
between  an  inner  retainer  A  and  an  outer  race 
B,  there  being  grooves  in  the  opposing  surfaces 
of  these  to  receive  the  balls.    In  a  Hess-Brisrht 


116  Ths  Automobile  Handbook 

bearing  of  this  type,  as  illustrated  in  Fig.  ^1, 
the  entire  space  between  the  races  C  and  B  is 
not  occupied  by  balls,  but  is  utilized  in  different 
ways.  In  this  only  enough  balls  to  make  a  half 
circle  in  the  bearing  are  used,  and  these  are 
spaced  apart  by  means  of  small  helical  springs. 
These  springs  contain  oil  pads  of  felt,  and  are 
headed  by   sheet-metal   discs   that  extend  far 


Hess -Bright  Bearing 

enough  into  the  grooves  to  prevent  bidewise  dis- 
placement of  the  springs,  without,  however, 
producing  any  more  than  a  negligible  friction. 
Assembling  this  bearing  one  race  is  placed  ec- 
centric to  another  race  and  the  ref|uisite  num- 
ber of  balls  slipped  into  positions,  after  which 
Ihe  races  are  made  concentric  nnd  the  balls  reg- 
ularly distributed.  This  done,  the  s''pnratin'l 
springs    with    lubricating  mears  pre  ins*»]led. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  117 

Once  the  springs  are  in  place  the  tension  of  them 
is  snch  as  to  make  the  bearing  self-contained. 


It  is  not  practicable  to  disassemble  or  repair 
the  various  forms  of  annular  ball  bearings  in 
the  ordinary  shop.  These  forms  are  not  adjust- 
able and  are  not  designed  to  be  taken  apart. 
It  is  quite  possible  to  raform  the  races  and  to 
insert  new  balls  when  the  bearing  is  badly  worn 
or  scratched,  but  such  work  must  be  done  with 
machinery  and  tools  especially  designed  for 
handling  it.  Ball  bearing  repairs  are  handled 
by  various  companies  who  specialize  on  such 
work  and  it  will  always  be  advisable  to  eom- 
mimieate  with  one  of  them. 

Hard  and  Soft  Bearings.  There  are  two 
general  classes  of  solid  bearings,  those  which 
contain  a  large  per  cent  of  copper  and  a  small 
amount  of  the  softer  metals ;  which  are  known 


118 


The  AutomobUe  Handbook 


as  hard  metals,  as  brass  or  bronze.  Those  which 
contain  a  large  proportion  of  tin  or  lead  and  a 
small  per  cent  of  copper  are  known  aa  soft 
metals — as  babbitt-metal,  anti-friction  metal  and 
white  metal. 

In  some  instances  and  under  certain  condi- 
tions it  has  been  found  that  a  good  close-grained 
cast  iron  makes  an  excellent  bearing  metal. 
Being  of  a  granular  nature,  it  has  the  property 
of  retaining  the  lubricant  in  place,  even  when 
highly  polished  and  under  great  pressure,  with 


Fig.  43  Fiff.  44 

Types  of  Plain  Bearings 

a  low  co-efficient  of  friction,  but  is  too  brittle 
to  withstand  severe  shocks. 

Plain  Bearings.  Plain  solid  bearings  are 
used  on  many  parts  of  an  automobile,  particu- 
larly in  the  engine  and  transmission  bearings, 
although  ball  and  roller  bearings  are  taking 
their  place  in  many  constructions.  The  major- 
ity of  the  ears  use  brass,  bronze  or  babbitt-metal 
on  the  main  and  crankshaft  bearings,  while  ball 
and  roller  bearings  are  used  on  the  transmission 
riid  wheel  bearings.  A  typical  plain  bearing  is 
shown  in  Fig.  43,  in  which  A  is  the  journal  made 
of  steel,  while  the  bearing  members  shown  at 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


119 


B.  B.  are  made  of  either  brass,  bronze,  or  babbitt 
metal.  Figures  44  and  45  show  different  types 
of  connecting  rod  bearings.  For  plain-bear- 
ings, the  shafts  of  which  are  continuously  run- 
ning at  a  high  rate  of  speed,  such  as  motors 
and  speed-change  gears,  the  working  pressure 


Fig.  45 

Solid  Connecting  Rod  Bearing 

per  square  inch  should  not  exceed  400  pounds. 
As  the  arc  of  contact  or  actual  bearing  surface 
of  a  journal  bearing  is  assumed  as  one-third  of 
the  circumference  of  the  journal  itself,  the  pres- 
sure per  square  inch  upon  a  bearing  is  therefore 
equal  to  the  total  load  upon  the  bearing,  divided 


120  The  Automobile  Hcmdbook 

by  the  product  of  the  diameter  of  the  journal 
times  the  length  of  the  bearing. 

Let  D  be  the  diameter  of  the  journal  or  shaft 
at  its  bearing,  and  L  the  length  of  the  bearing, 
if  W  be  the  total  load  or  pressure  upon  the  bear- 
ing and  P  the  pressure  in  pounds  per  square 
inch  of  bearing  surface,  then 

W 
P  = 


DXL 

If  the  total  load  or  pressure  on  the  bearing 
be  known  and  the  diameter  of  the  shaft  given, 
then  the  proper  length  of  the  bearing  will  be 

W 

L=: ■• 

DXP 

If  the  length  of  the  bearing  be  known  and 
other  conditions  as  before  given,  then  the  proper 
dianif  ter  of  the  journal  will  be 

W 

D=: 

PXL 


The  Automobile  Handbook  121 

Bearing,  Boiler.  A  form  of  bearing  used  in 
a  large  Dumber  of  cars  of  all  types  is  that 
known  as  the  roller.  This  form  is  made  in  three 
distinct  tj^es,  one  of  which  is  known  as  the 
taper  roller,  another  one  the  solid  straight 
roller,  and  the  third  one  the  flexible  roller. 

The  taper  roller  bearing,  Fig.  46,  is  composed 
of  an  inner  and  outer  race,  the  inneT  race  being 


Pig.  46 
Taper  Roller  Bearing 

designed  to  fit  over  the  shaft  and  the  outer  one 
being  carried  by  the  bearing  housing.  The 
outer  surface  of  the  inner  race  is  conical  in 
form  and  the  inner  surface  of  the  outer  race  is 
of  a  form  to  correspond,  that  is,  its  internal 
diameter  is  smaller  at  one  side  than  at  the 
other.  Between  the  two  races  is  carried  a  series 
of  steel  rolls,  each  one  of  which  is  tapered  so 
that  it  fits  between,  and  bears  along  its  entire 
length  on  both  races.  This  forms  a  bearing  of 
anti-friction  qualities  similar  to  the  annular 
ball,  with  the  exception  that  the  contact  be- 
tween the  rolling  members  and  their  supports 


122  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  123 

is  a  line  rather  tlian  a  point.  It  is  customary 
to  maintain  a  predetermined  distance  between 
the  separate  rolls  by  providing  cages  into 
■which  the  rolls  fit  loosely.  It  will  be  seen  that 
because  of  the  tapered  formation  it  would  be 
impossible  to  press  the  inner  race  hard  enough 
to  cause  it  to  pass  completely  through  the  outer 
race  with  the  rolls  in  place,  while  in  the  other 
direction  the  inner  race  would  drop  out  because 
of  itfi  own  weight.  This  feature  allows  the 
tapered  roller  bearing  to  withstand  a  large 
amount  of  end  thrust  when  this  thrust  is  ap- 
plied on  one  side  of  the  bearing  only. 


Pig.  47 
Straight  Solid  Roller  Bearing 

Roller  bearings  are  made  of  an  inner  and 
outer  race  with  both  surfaces  of  each  race  truly 
cylindrical,  Fig.  47,  and  between  these  races  is 
carried  a  series  of  straight  cylindrical  rolls. 
With  plain  rolls  in  use,  the  bearing  will  not 
withstand  any  end  thrust  because  of  the  fact 
that  the  races  and  rollers  will  move  freely  over 


124  The  Automobile  Handbook 

each  other  in  the  direction  of  their  axes.  When 
it  is  desired  to  have  this  type  of  bearing  with- 
stand a  thrust  load,  one  or  both  of  the  races 
must  be  made  with  either  a  ridge  or  a  groove 
at  or  near  one  edge  and  the  rolls  must  then 
have  a  corresponding  ridge  or  groove  to  en- 
gage the  race. 

The  flexible  roller  bearing  is  made  by  the 
Hyatt  Roller  Bearing  Co.  and  consists  of  two 
races,  each  of  which  is  tubular  or  cylindrical 
in  form,  and  between  these  races  is  carried  a 
series  of  rollers,  as  in  other  types  previoiuly 
described,  differing  in  that  the  rolls  are  formed 
from  a  piece  of  comparatively  thin  flat  steel 
twisted  into  a  spiral.  It  is  from  the  springiness 
of  this  form  of  spiral  roller  that  the  bearing 
takes  its  name,  ** Flexible." 


The  Automobile  Handbook  125 

Bendix  Drive.  The  Bendix  driye,  Pig.  49, 
consists  of  a  solid  or  hollow  shaft  having  screw 
threads  on  the  outside,  and  a  hollow  gear  hav- 
ing screw  threads  on  the  inside,  so  that  the 
gear  screws  on  the  shaft  like  a  nut  on  a  bolt 
A  circular  weight  is  fastened  to  the  gear,  and 
is  slightly  out  of  balance.  A  coil  spring  con- 
nects the  electric  motor  shaft  and  the  hollow 
screw  shaft. 


Pig.  49 
Starting  Motor  With  Bendix  Drive 
When  the  electric  motor  starts  It  drives 
through  the  spring  and  turns  the  screw  shaft. 
Because  of  the  weight,  the  gear  is  too  heavy  to 
turn  with  the  screw  shaft,  and  because  the 
gear  does  not  turn  it  must  move  along  the 
screw  shaft  (just  the  same  as  if  you  turned  a 
bolt  having  a  nut  on  it,  and  kept  holding  the 
nut  with  your  fingers  to  keep  it  from  turning 
so  that  it  would  be  screwed  along  the  bolt). 
After  the  screw  gear  has  moved  along  the 
screw  shaft  and  engages  with  the  flywheel  gear 
it  then  keeps  on  moving  along  until  it  reaches 


126  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  stop,  at  the  end  of  the  screw  shaft.  The 
two  gears  then  are  fully  meshed,  and  it  is  obvi- 
ous that  when  the  screw  gear  has  reached  the 
stop  it  cannot  move  any  farther,  and  it  then 
must  turn  with  the  screw  shaft.  At  this  par- 
ticular  moment  the  screw  shaft  and  electric 
motor  are  revolving  at  a  great  speed,  and  this 
great  blow  and  the  power  of  the  electric  motor 
are  both  taken  through  the  coil  spring.  The 
spring  keeps  coiling  until  all  this  power  has 
been  applied  to  the  flywheel  gear  and  the  en- 
gine starts  turning. 

As  soon  as  the  engine  starts  exploding  and 
runs  under  its  own  power,  the  flywheel  of 
course  turns  much  faster  than  it  was  cranked 
by  the  starter.  Because  it  is  now  turning  so 
much  faster  it  increases  the  speed  of  the  screw 
gear  so  that  the  latter  runs  faster  than  the 
screw  shaft  on  which  it  is  mounted.  It  is  there- 
fore plain  that  if  the  screw  gear  runs  faster 
than  the  screw  shaft,  that  it  will  be  screwed 
on  the  threads  of  the  shaft  (like  a  nut  on  a  bolt) 
until  it  has  been  screwed  out  of  mesh  with  the 
flywheel  gear.  This  demeshing  movement  is 
entirely  automatic  and  eliminates  the  nse  of 
an  overrunning  clutch.  And  now  that  the 
screw  gear  is  out  of  mesh  it  is  natural  to  sup- 
pose if  the  electric  motor  keeps  running  that 
the  gear  will  be  automatically  screwed  right 
back  into  the  mesh  with  the  flywheel  gear.  But 
the  unbalanced  weight  on  the  screw  gear  per- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  127 

forms  its  automatic  function.  That  is,  being 
slightly  out  of  balance,  the  weight  twists  or 
cocks  othe  screw  gear  so  that  it  clutches  and 
binds  on  the  screw  shaft  and  turns  with  it.  This 
automatic  clutching  is  all  due  to  the  centrifugal 
force  of  the  unbalanced  weight. 

When  the  electric  motor  stops  running,  the 
screw  gear  has  been  fully  screwed  away  from 
the  flywheel  gear,  and  it  remains  in  that  re- 
tarded position  until  it  is  again  required  to 
start  the  engine. 

The  screw  shaft  should  never  be  oiled  or 
lubricated.  It  is  not  necessary  and,  in  fact, 
the  screw  gear  works  to  the  best  advantage 
when  the  screw  shaft  is  dry. 

Through  accident  or  otherwise,  should  the 
flywheel  ever  be  entirely  exposed  and  unpro- 
tected, and  should  the  gear  tend  to  stick  on 
the  shaft,  it  may  then  be  necessary  to  clean 
the  screw. 

The  teeth  on  the  screw  gear  and  flywheel  are 
chamfered  or  pointed  on  only  one  side  to  make 
the  meshing  natural  and  easy.  However,  should 
the  teeth  meet,  end  to  end,  the  screw  shaft 
itself  is  designed  to  move  automatically  back- 
wards, against  and  compress  the  coil  spring. 
This  gives  the  screw  gear  time  enough  to  turn 
and  enter  the  flywheel  gear.  Should  sticking 
of  gears  ever  occur,  they  can  be  released  by 
throwing  in  the  clutch  and*  moving  the  car. 
Such  trouble  would  be  due  to  incorrect  cham- 


128  The  Automobile  Handbook 

fering  or  inaccurate  alignment  of  the  gears. 
Also  it  might  be  due  to  the  binding  of  the  drive 
parts  and  prevent  compressing  and  proper  func- 
tioning.   Such  defects  should  be  corrected. 

If  v^rhile  the  engine  is  running,  the  electric 
motor  should  be  accidentally  started,  the  screw 
gear  will  of  course  screw  over  against  the  turn- 
ing flywheel  gear.  But  instead  of  the  clashing 
and  smashing  of  gears  that  might  be  expected 
there  is  no  damage  whatsoever,  as  the  gears 
simply  touch  once.  This  is  because  the  flywheel 
gear  will  speed  up  the  screw  gear,  and  thus 
automatically  screw  it  away.  The  turning  screw 
gear  will  then  automatically  clutch  and  bind 
on  the  screw  shaft,  in  exactly  the  same  manner 
as  when  it  is  cranking  and  has  been  demeshed 
when  the  engine  starts  exploding. 

Bodies.  In  the  construction  of  automobile 
bodies  the  sills  are  made  strong,  and  the  super- 
work  is  rendered  independent  of  the  actual 
structural  strains.  Wood  is  generally  used  in 
the  framing,  although  it  is  sometimes  replaced 
bv  cast  aluminum. 

"When  wood  is  used  for  framing,  sheet  alumi- 
/lum,  steel  and  thin  layers  of  wood  are  em- 
ployed. The  aluminum  is  laid  on  a  form  and 
beaten  to  the  shape  required  for  the  paneL  The 
steel  sheets  are-  die  formed,  while  the  wood  is 
made  flexible  in  order  that  it  may  be  bent  to 
its  proper  shape  when  fastened  to  the  body.  In 
order  to  have  the  car  of  light  weight,  aU  body 
builders  use  the  lightest  materials  possible  in 


» 

The  Automobile  Handbook  129 

the  construction  of  that  portion  which  lies  above 
the  chassii^. 

When  aluminum  is  used  in  the  panels  and 
for  facings,  care  must  be  exercised  to  prevent 
water  from  creeping  ill'  between  the  metal  and 
the  framing,  because  water  causes  an  electro- 
lytic action  on  the  aluminum  plates.  To  prevent 
the  oxidation  of  sheet  steel,  the  plates  are  either 
coated  with  aluminum  or  zinc,  or  they  are  given 
a  priming  coat  of  paint  on* the  inside. 

As  a  general  thing,  putty  is  not  used  in  the 
construction  of  bodies,  as  there  are  few  joints 
which  require  it.  In  the  very  best  body  paint- 
ing twenty  coats  are  used  before  the  paint  as- 
sumes i's  proper  finish.  The  first  coat,  or  prim- 
iug  coat,  generally  consists  of  pure  white  lead 
mixed  in  oil.  After  that  the  second  priming  coat 
is  given  to  it,  and  from  then  on  the  number 
of  coats  of  rough  paint  will  depend  upon  the 
nature  of  the  surface  and  the  degree  of  finish. 
For  a  very  fine  finish,  the  last  coats  consist  of 
varnish,  but  when  wagon  finish  is  desired,  the 
last  coats  consist  of  paint. 

Finishers  must  take  into  account  the  fact  that 
alLcars  are  more  or  less  abused  in  service,  and 
it  is  to  be  expected  that  the  magnificently 
equipped  limousine  will  have  a  somewhat  finer 
finish  than  the  hard  used  touring  car. 

Classification  op  Bodies.  Besides  being 
classified  according  to  the  type  of  gasoline  en^ 
e:ine,  methods  of  transmission,  number  of  cyl- 
inders, etc.,  automobiles  are  also  classified  ac- 


130  The  Automobile  Hcmdbook 

cording  to  the  type  of  body  which  is  mounted 
on  the  chassis.  While  there  are  a  considerable 
number  of  names  which  are  given  to  the  same 
types  of  pleasure  automobiles,  they  may  be  gen- 
erally classified  as  runabouts,  roadsters,  toura- 
bouts,  touring  cars,  town  cars  or  taxicabs,  lan- 
daulets,  limousines  and  semi-limousines.  Elec- 
tric automobiles  are  generally  divided  into 
coupes,  brougham,  stanhopes,  runabouts,  phae- 
tons, etc.  Steam  cars  follow  the  same  genera) 
classification  as  gasoline  machines.  Commer- 
cial vehicles  may  be  classified  as  taxicabs,  deliv- 
ery  wagons,  trucks,  busses,  wagonettes,  ambu- 
lances, patrol  wagons  and  other  forms  for  fire 
service. 

Commercial  Vehicles.  In  the  commercial 
vehicle  field  steam,  electric  and  gasoline  ma- 
chines are  used.  Electric  vehicles  are  used  for 
certain  purposes,  from  heavy  trucks  to  light 
delivery  wagons,  usually  only  for  short  dis- 
tances. Steam  power  is  not  at  present  being 
used  to  any  extent  for  heavy  trucks,  whilei 
tlie  gasoline  commercial  is  used  for  tracks, 
business  wagons  and  quick  deliveries. 

The  commercial  vehicle  may  be  classed  as 
follows :  Taxicabs,  j^fcneral  delivery,  light  trucks, 
lusivy  trucks,  coal  waijfons,  sight-seeing  cars, 
hiissrs,  ambiilanc(\s  and  particular  other  types 
for  s|)C('inl  pni*])oscs. 

Since,  for  fr<*noral  purposes,  the  speed  of  com- 
mereinl  veliieles  is  smnll,  they  are  not  neces- 
sarily erpiipped  with  hi^ih  power,  as  a  heavy 


The  AutomohUe  Handbook  131 

car,  which  would  travel  at  a  high  speed,  would 
be  apt  to  be  dangerous.  The  speeds  obtainable 
range  on  an  average  between  twenty  miles  per 
hour  for  delivery  wagons,  to  five  miles  per  hour 
for  heavy  trucks. 

While  there  are  many  distinct  types  of  car 
bodies,  there  are  more  names  in  use  than  there 
are  bodies,  because  different  makers  often  apply 
different  names  to  the  same  type  of  body,  and 
often  list  a  certain  type  of  body  under  a  name 
different  from  the  one  ordinarily  accepted.  This 
practice  makes  it  difficult  to  state  positively  that 
a  certain  type  of  body  will  be  called  by  a  given 
name  by  a  maker  although  that  particular  body 
is  of  its  own  distinctive  type  regardless  of  the 
name  applied  in  the  catalogues. 

Bodies  may  be  classified  according  to  the  num- 
ber of  persons  carried,  whether  they  are  wholly 
or  partly  enclosed  and  according  to  the  purpose 


Fig.  50 

Five-Passenger  Touring  Car 

for  which   they  are   designed.     None   of  these 

divisions  is  very  satisfactory,  because  some  types 


132  The  Automobile  handbook 

would  appear  in  more  than  one  division.  The 
following  definitions  are  those  generally  ac- 
cepted. 

Touting  Car.  This  is  an  open  ear,  Figs.  50 
and  51,  for  general  purposes  which  may  seat 
four,  five,  six  or  seven  persons,  including  the 
driver.  It  hsis  sides  and  doors,  but  when  pro- 
tection from  the  weather  is  desired  the  operator 
uses  a  folding  top  and  curtains. 


Fig.  51 
Seating  Arrangement  In  Four-Paesenger  Car 

A  touring  car  seating  five  is  called  a  five-pas- 
senger touring  car,  one  seating  seven  is  called  a 
seven-passenger  touring  car,  and  so  on  for  any 
number  of  passengers.  The  rear  compartment  of 
a  touring  car  is  called  a  tonneau,  the  front  com- 
partment is  called  the  driver's  compartment. 

Close-Coupled  oh  Tov  Tonneau.  A  four- 
passenger  touring  car  with  the  rear  seat  brought 
well  forward  is  sometimes  called  by  one  of  these 
names. 

Torpedo,  This  is  a  touring  car  having  the 
body  as  small  and  low  as  possible  while  seating 


The  Automobile  Handbook  133 

the  number  of  passesgers  desired.    The  body  is 
of  a  form  that  offers  the  least  resistance  to  wind 

pressure  and  is  called  "stream  line"  in  shape. 

Runabout.  This  is  an  open  body  seating  two 
passengers,  mounted  on  a  comparatively  small, 
light  or  low  powered  chassis  for  use  in  town  and 
city  travel  and  short  country  trips. 


Fig.  62 
Two-Passenger  Roadster 

Roadster.  This  is  also  an  open  body,  Fig.  52, 
seating  two  passengers,  but  mounted  on  a  chassis 
whose  size,  weight  and  power  fits  it  for  heavy 
work  and  long  distance  touring. 

Speedster  or  Baceabout.  This  is  a  powerful 
chassis  carrying  small,  light  seats  for  two  pas- 
sengers and  designed  for  high  speed  work.  The 
body  is  made  as  small  and  light  as  possible  with 
"bucket"  seats,  floor,  dash,  gasoline  and  oil 
tanks,  but  no  sides  or  doors,  and  in  most  cases 
without  a  top. 

Limousine.  This  is  a  type  of  body,  Fig.  53, 
used  mostly  for  town  and  city  driving  in  bad 
weather  or  during  the  cold  season. 


134  The  AutomohUe  Handbook 

It  Beats  four,  five,  six  or  seven  persona  in  addi- 
tion to  the  driver.  It  baa  s  permanent  top  and 
the  rear  compartment  is  entirely-  eneloaed  and 
has  full  doors.    The  driver's  compartinent  is  di- 


Fig.   53 
Ltmoualne  Body 

vided  from  the  rear  hy  a  partition  and  this  com- 
partment is  only  partly  enclosed. 

Berline  OB  Berlin.  This  type  is  exactly  like 
the  limousine  except  that  the  driver's  compart- 
ment is  fully  enclosed  and  has  full  doors. 

Sedan.  This  body  is  like  the  Berline,  that  ia 
to  say,  fully  enclosed,  but  there  ia  no  partition 
between  the  driver's  and  rear  compartment. 

Landaulet  oe  Landau.  This  is  a  Umooaiiie 
which  has  the  rear  half  of  the  passenger  com- 
partment closed  with  a  top  that  ia  rigid  when 
raised  but  that  lets  down  like  those  tops  of  dobed 
carriages  in  common  use. 


The  A.utomobUe  Handbook 


135 


Town  Cab.  This  type  has  the  rear  compart- 
ment entirely  enclosed  with  full  doors,  and  seats 
four  or  five  persons  in  this  part  of  the  car.  The 
driver's  compartment  is  open,  the  same  as  in  a 
touring  car.  The  driver  may  be  protected  by  a 
small  canopy  extending  forward  from  the  en- 
closed portion. 


Coupi 


CoL-PE,  This  type  of  body,  Fig.  54,  is  entirely 
enclosed  and  has  full  doors.  It  may  seat  two, 
three  or  four  passengers  in  the  enclosed  part, 
the  driver  being  one  of  these.  It  is  mounted  on 
a  roadster  chassis  anil  bears  the  same  relation  to 
the  roadster  that  the  Sedan  bears  to  the  touring 


Convertible  Cottpe  ok  Sedan.  These  bodies 
are  built  in  such  a  way  that  they  give  exactly 
the  same  appearance  as  a  regular  Coupe  or  Sedan 
from  either  the  ontside  or  inside.     The  upper 


136  The  Automobile  Handbook 

portion  is  removable  so  that  the  Coupe  or  Sedan 
is  converted  into  a  roadster  or  touring  ear,  de- 
pending, on  the  arrangement  and  number  of 
passengers  carried.         ^ 

Cabriolet  or  Couplet.  A  convertible  coupe 
may  be  called  by  either  one  of  these  names,  both 
meaning  the  same  thing. 

TaVXiCAB.  A  car  used  as  a  public  vehicle  and 
being  for  hire  according  to  certain  designated 
rates  of  fare  is  called  a  taxicab.  It  is  fitted  with 
a  ** taximeter"  which  records  the  distance  trav- 
eled and  the  time  spent  in  waiting,. and  automat- 
ally  computes  and  indicates  the  fare  to  be  paid. 

Taxicabs  may  be  made  from  Jimousines,  lan- 
daulets  or  town  cars,  the  landaulet  being  the 
type  most  generally  used. 

CoMMERCLVL  Car  Bodies.  Thcsc  types  Includc 
those  used  for  carrying  merchandise  and  also 
those  used  for  carrying  passengers  as  a  business. 
Commercial  car  bodies  may  be  designated  accord- 
ing to  the  type  of  construction,  the  class  of  work 
to  be  handled  or  the  weight  to  be  carried. 

Truck  Bodies.  These  include  the  express, 
platform,  stake  and  panel  types,  and  also  many 
special  designs.  Truck  bodies  are  usually  made 
from  designs  prepared  for  each  individual  job 
and  according  to  the  customer's  requirements, 
except  in  the  lower  priced  cars. 

Passenger  Bodies.  These  include  taxicabs, 
sight  seeing  cars,  carrying  from  eight  to  twenty 
persons,  and  closed  bodies  suitable  for  carrying 
passengers  and  baggage  in  interurban  work. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


137 


Brakes.  A  brake  is  a  mechanism  which  is 
a  necessary  part  of  the  machinery  of  an  auto- 
mobile and  enables  the  operator  by  exerting  a 
slight  amount  of  force  on  a  lever  to  reduce  the 


138  The  Automobile  Handbook 

momentum  of  the  moving  car.  Brakes  used  on 
automobiles  may  be  divided  into  three  classes: 
Hub  or  rear  wheel  brakes,  transmission  and 
diit'erential  gear  brakes.  Brakes  have  also  been 
applied  to  the  tires  of  the  rear  wheels,  but 
have  proved  unsatisfactory  *and  have  been  aban- 
doned. The  forms  of  brakes  in  use  are  single, 
or  double-acting,  foot  or  hand  operated,  and  of 
the  band,  block  or  expanding  ring  types. 

Figure  55,  at  A,  B  and  C,  shows  three  forms 
of  th(^  simplest  type  of  single-acting  band-brake. 
This  type  of  brake  can  only  be  operated  success- 
fully with  the  brake  wheel  running  in  one 
direction  only,  which  is  indicated  by  the  arrows 
in  the  drawing.  If  the  brakes  be  operated  in 
the  reverse  direction  to  that  indicated  by  the 
arrows  the  result  will  be  to  jerk  the  lever  or 
pedal  out  of  the  control  of  the  operator  of  the 
car. 

The  three  forms  of  band-brakes  shown  at  A, 
B  i\u(\  C  are  all  of  the  same  principle,  the  differ- 
eiic(»  being  in  the  location  of  the  fixed  end  of 
tin'  ])i'ak(^-band  and  the  shape  of  the  operating 
1('V(M\  Typ(»  1)  is  a  form  of  double  acting  block- 
br;ik(%  which  is  designed  with  a  view  to  elimi- 
nat(^  any  strain  or  side  thnist  upon  the  shaft  of 
tli(^  ])nike  wluM'l  which  may  be  caused  by  the 
bi'jiking  action  of  the  d(»vice.  Types  B,  G  and 
II  nrc  thrcH^  types  of  (l()u])le  acting  band-brakes, 
in  wliicli  the  ])rake  may  ])e  applied  with  the 
brnke  wheel  running  in  either  direction. 

Type  F  is  a  form  of  double  acting  block-brake, 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


139 


in  which  the  right  hand  ends  of  the  brake-shoe 
arms  are  pivoted  to  stationary  supports,  and 
the  left  hand  ends  connected  together  by  means 
of  a  link  and  bell-crank  lever  as  shown  in  the 
drawing. 


Fig.  56 

In  Figure  56  a  form  of  double  acting  block- 
brake  I  is  shown,  which  is  extremely  powerful 
on  account  of  its  peculiar  construction,  in  that 
is  has  a  double  leverage  upon  the  brake  wheel, 
which  may  be  readily  seen  by  reference  to  the 
drawing.    Types  J  and  K  are  of  the  form  known 


140  The  Automobile  Handbook 

as  internal  brakes  and  of  the  expanding  ring 
type,  the  brakes  operating  upon  the  inner  sur- 
face or  periphery  of  the  brake  wheel,  instead 
of  the  outside.  They  are  known  as  hnb  brakes, 
beinfi  usually  attached  to  the  hubs  of  the  rear 
wheels  of  the  ear.  Type  L  shows  a  form  of 
blook-brake  in  which  the  pivoted  brake  arms 
are  drawn  top^ether  by  the  eccentric  located  on 
the  brake  lever  shaft.     When  the  lever  is  re- 


Mg.  57 

leased  the  brake-slioc  arms  are  forced  apart  by 
the  iietion  of  the  coil  spring  between  the  upper 
ends  of  the  arms. 

Exi>ANDiNQ  Bkake.  In  the  internally  expand- 
ing brake,  Fifnire  57,  a  hollow  metal  drum  or 
pnllcy  D  is  carried  upon  some  continuously 
revolvinji  portion  of  the  ear  mechanism,  and 
within  this  drum  iire  supported  two  metallic 
shopR  B  B,  which  conform  in  shape  to  the  in^de 


The  Automobile  Hamdbook  141 

sarface  of  the  drum  by  means  of  a  spring,  S  S. 
The  shoes  are  capable  of  being  strongly  pressed 
against  the  revolving  inner  surface  of  the  drum 
by  means  of  a  cam  or  toggle  arrangement,  T, 
operated  through  a  wire  rope  or  metal  rod,  R, 
from  the  operator's  lever  or  pedal.  It  is  im- 
portant that  brakes  of  both  these  types  should 
have  their  bands  or  shoes  so  arranged  that  an 
equal  frictJonal  effect  is  produced  upon  their 
drums  for  a  given  force  applied  by  the  operator. 


whether  the  vehicle  is  running  forward  or  back- 
ward. A  brake  so  arranged  is  said  to  be  double 
acting.  Another  type  of  expanding  brake  is 
shown  in  Figure  58,  where  D  is  the  brake  drum ; 
S  S,  the  brake  shoes ;  T,  the  toggle  arrangement 
which  connects  with  the  brake  lever,  and  N  is 
a  nut  which  is  used  for  adjusting  the  movement 
of  the  brake  shoes. 

Advantaoes  op  the  Expanding  Brake.     The 
expanding   brake    is    coming    more    and    more 


142  The  Automobile  Handbook 

into  general  use,  and  is  taking  the  place  of 
the  contracting  brake  in  many  eases,  although 
the  latter  is  still  being  used  extensively  as  an 
emergency  brake. 

The  advantages  of  the  expanding  brake  are : 
(1)  it  is  less  liable  to  drag  upon  the  drum;  (2) 
it  is  easily  made  double  actmg;  (3)  it  has  more 
braking  power  for  a  given  pressure;  (4)  the 
friction  surfaces  are  better  protected  from  mud 
and  grit. 

A  form  of  brake  designed  for  heavy  service  is 
that  known  as  the  *' hydraulic,"  in  which  the 
braking  force  is  carried  by  means  of  oil  through 
suitable  piping  from  a  compressing  cylinder  to 
a  working  cylinder.  The  lever  operated  by  the 
driver  is  located  in  the  usual  place  and  is  con- 
nected to  the  piston  of  a  powerful  oil  pump. 
From  this  pump  connections,  lead  to  a  similar 
cylinder  on  the  chassis  and  from  the  piston  and 
plunger  of  this  second  cylinder  connection  is 
made  with  the  usual  forms  of  brake  mechanism. 
The  pump  is  operated  by  successive  strokes  of 
the  lever  that  increase  the  pressure;  while  the 
brakes  are  released  by  pressing  a  button  that 
opens  a  valve  and  by  releasing  the  hand  lever. 

Brake  Linings.  For  expanding  brakes,  metal 
shoes  have  become  standard,  owing  to  the  prac- 
ticability of  maintaining  proper  lubrication  be- 
tween the  frictional  surfaces.  In  external 
brakes  the  metal  band  is  provided  with  some 
form  of  nonmetallic  lining  that  forms  the  brak- 
ing surface  applied  to  the  drum.     The  reason 


The  Automobile  Handbook  143 

for  this  is  that  it  is  practically  impossible  to 
properly  lubricate  an  external  brake.  Various 
kinds  of  material,  viz.,  leather  fabric,  asbestos, 
vulcanized  fibre  and  camel's  hair  belting,  are 
used  for  lining  external  brake  bands.  A  ma- 
terial which  is  used  for  this  purpose  must  have 
great  resisting  powers,  a  constant  co-efficient 
of  friction,  even  in  the  presence  of  oil  and 
water,  and  it  must  have  the  ability  to  resist 
the  influence  of  heat  due  to  the  brake's  action. 
In  practice  it  has  been  found  that  leather  lined 
brakes  burn  out,  and  fibre  linings  become  brittle 
and  cannot  be  depended  upon,  so  that  inorganic 
materials,  which  cannot  be  carbonized,  such  as 
asbestos  fibre,  are  widely  used.  Asbestos  fibre 
may  be  readily  woven  into  a  fabric  which  an- 
swers this  requirement,  but  when  used  by  itself 
its  strength  is  not  sufficient.  When,  however, 
it  is  woven  over  a  metal  wire  gauze  foundation 
it  appears  to  have  the  necessary  stability  to 
withstand  very  severe  service,  and  this  is  the 
method  employed  in  manufacturing  the  incom- 
bustible brake  linings  which  are  being  used. 

Cork  is  the  bark  of  the  cork  tree,  and  is  the 
lightest  known  solid.  Its  weight  is  one-eleventh 
of  aluminum,  and  one-thirtieth  of  cast-iron.  It 
has  a  very  high  co-efficient  of  friction,  and  is 
not  affected  by  many  of  the  conditions  which 
seriously  impair  the  efficiency  of  other  sub- 
stances. 

Cork  possesses  qualities  which  distinguish  it 
from  all  other  solids,  namely,  its  power  of  alter- 


144  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ing  its  volume  to  a  very  marked  degree  in  con- 
sequence of  a  change  of  pressure.  It  consists, 
practically  of  an  aggregation  of  minute  air  ves- 
sels, having  thin,  water-tight,  and  very  strong 
walls,  hence,  if  compressed,  the  resistance  to 
compression  rises  in  a  manner  more  like  the  re- 
sistance of  a  gas,  for  instance,  than  to  that  of 
an  elastic  solid,  such  as  a  spring.  The  elasticity 
of  cork  has  a  wide  range  and  is  very  persistent. 
It  is  this  elasticity  which  makes  it  valuable  when 
used  as  an  insert  in  a  metal  shoe.  Cork  is  of 
rather  a  brittle  nature,  though  extremely  strong, 
and  for  that  reason  it  cannot  be  used  in  the  form 
of  a  lining  or  facing.  The  method  of  applica- 
cation  is  to  insert  corks  in  holes  in  the  brake 
provided  for  the  purpose.  Cork  is  not  particu- 
larly affected  by  heat  or  oil,  and  will  largely  in- 
crease the  efficiency  in  any  application  to  a 
brake  or  clutch. 

Where  metal-to-metal  surfaces,  with  or  with- 
out cork  inserts,  are  used,  the  surfaces  are  usu- 
ally of  different  materials.  The  most  common 
material  for  drums  in  all  cases  is  steel,  but  that 
of  shoes  is  either  malleable  cast  iron,  brass  or  a 
bronze.  Different  metals  make  a  better  wear- 
ing surface,  and  some  combinations  will  have  a 
higher  degree  of  friction  adhesion  than  others. 

In  the  selection  of  material  for  brake  linings, 
the  co-efficient  of  friction  is  an  important  factor 
to  be  considered.  Table  7  gives  the  relative 
values  existing  in  combinations  of  different 
materials. 


The  Automohiie  Hwndbook 


145 


TABLE  7. 

Co-efl9cient 
Material —  of  friction 

Metal  to  Wood 0.25  to  0.50 

Metal  to  Fibre 0.27  to  0.60 

Metal  to  Leather   0.30  to  0.60 

Metal  to  Metal 0.15  to  0.30 

Metal  to  Cork 0.36  to  0.65 

Equalizers.  In  connection  with  all  brakes 
Tvhich  are  used  in  pairs,  some  method  is  used  to 
equalize  the  pressure  of  the  brake  handle  or  foot 
pedal  so  that  the  same  pressure  will  be  applied 


Fig.  59 
Floating  Lever  Type  of  Equalizer 

to  both  brakes.  If  the  power  is  not  equally  ap- 
plied to  each  brake,  side  slip  or  *' skidding''  will 
result. 

The  different  methods  of  equalizing  brakes  are 
shown  in  Figs.  59,  60,  61  and  62,  the  majority  of 
ears  using  what  is  known  as  the  floating  lever 
type,  the  cable  arrangement  being  used  only  on 
several  makes  of  cars.     The  floating  lever  type 


146 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


of  equalizer  is  illustrated  in  Fig.  59.  L  is  the 
floating  lever,  connected  at  its  central  point  to 
the  brake  lever,  or  pedal  by  means  of  rod  R. 
The  ends  of  lever  L  are  connected  to  the  brakes 
B,  B,  by  means  of  the  brake  rods  C  and  D. 
When  rod  R  is  drawn  forward,  lever  L  draws 
rods  C  and  D  forward  thus  giving  an  equal  pres- 
sure on  the  hub  brakes. 

Fig.  60  shows  another  type  of  floating  lever 
equalizer.     Shaft  S  connects  to  the  brakes  by 


I 


^— 


L 


i 


^ 


3 


Fig.  60 
Floating  Lever  Equalizer 

means  of  rocker  arm^  located  just  outside  the 
frame.  Two  rocker  arms,  C  and  D  are  con- 
nected to  shaft  S,  and  to  the  equalizing  lever  L 
bv  means  of  rods  E  and  F.  In  some  eases  the 
eciualizing  lever  is  located  outside  of  the  frame. 
It  then  takes  the  form  shown  in  Pig.  61,  in 
which  L  is  the  lever  that  equalizes  the  pressure 
on  ])oth  brakes  connected  to  shaft  S.  Pig.  62 
shows  the  arrangement  of  the  cord  equalizer. 
Shaft  S  is  connected  to  the  two  brakes,  one  »* 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


147 


h  end,  and  it  has  two  rockers,  or  cranks  B 
I  F  attached  to  it.  Parallel  to  S  is  another 
ft  C,  which  carries  a  grooved  roller  R.  A 
le  is  connected  to  crank  E,  carried  over  R, 
I  then  passing  baiek,  is  connected  to  crank  F. 
ten  R  is  moved  in  the  direction  of  the  arrow, 
the  brake  lever,  the  cord  distributes  the  ten- 
1  between  E  and  F,  and  as  a  consequence  the 
ke  also.  This  type  is  much  cheaper  than 
others,  but  it  reauires  more  care  and  atten- 


Fig.  61 
(^    Equalizer  Lever  Outside  the  Frame 


Fig.  62 
Cord  Equalizer 


-& 


148  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Brazing.  Many  workmen  labor  under  the  im- 
pression that  a  brazing  job  cannot  be  done  un- 
less the  parts  are  a  loose  fit,  in  order,  as  they 
say,  to  allow  the  brazil? g  material  to  enter  and 
form  a  bond.  The  result  Is,  when  they  do  the 
work,  the  parts  are  a  very  loose  fit,  with  accen- 
tuated shearing  tendencies  in  the  section  of  the 
bra  zing  material,  and  if  the  brazing  happens  to 
be  poorly  done,  the  result  is  anything  but  good, 
since,  in  the  absence  of  brazing,  there  is  not 
evpu  a  good  mechanical  bond. 

A  good  mechanical  bond  is  possible  to  procure 
ivithout,  in  any  way,  interfering  with  the  braz- 
ing process,  since  the  parts,  if  they  are  well 
fluxed,  will  take  a  coat  of  brazing  material,  even 
when  the  recess  is  but  a  thousandth  or  two.  In 
brazing,  if  the  work  is  to  be  up  to  a  sufficient 
standard  to  use  in  steering  gear,  it  is  necessary 
to  clean  and  brighten  the  surfaces  in  a  most 
thorough  manner.  This  will  best  follow  by  me- 
chanical scraping  rather  than  by  dipping  in 
some  corroding  material.  Dipping  may  be  of 
value  as  a  preliminary,  but  a  file,  and  scraper, 
in  the  hands  of  a  man  of  competence,  will  go  a 
long  ways  toward  success. 

When  the  parts  are  well  brightened,  and  the 
grease  is  thoroughly  removed,  by  the  use  of 
soda  water,  benzine,  or  equally  good  solvents, 
it  remains  to  flux  the  parts  with  borax,  and 
then  apply  the  heat,  either  by  a  forge  or  from  a 
special  form  of  brazing  torch  which  uses  gaso- 
line, kerosene,  or  other  fuel  oil,  to  pro- 
duce the  necessary  heat.     All  forms  of  burn- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  149 

rs  have  means  of  adjusting  the  flame,  and 
ivo  or  more  burners  are  usually  placed 
1  such  position  that  their  flames  strike 
le  work.  Torches  are  similar  to  the 
lunsen  burner ;  if  fire  brick,  or  clay,  is  used  to 
uild  up  around  the  parts,  the  heating  process 
^ill  be  attended  with  less  difficulty,  and  the  work 
411  be  better  at  the  finish.  A  rather  hard  braz-^ 
ig  material  may  be  used.  This  may  be  pur- 
based  ready  for  use,  and  there  is  no  reason  at 
U  why  a  motorist  of  even  slight  skill  cannot 
lake  a  good  job  of  brazing. 

Gamshaft.  Fig.  63  is  a  sectional  view  of  a  mo- 
3r  cylinder  and  illustrates  the  principle  and  ae- 
on of  the  camshaft.  In  many  motors  one  cam- 
tiaft  serves  to  open  both  intake  and  exhaust 
alves,  while  in  other  motors  there  is  a  cam-shaft 
>r  each  set  of  valves.  Besides  opening  the  valves, 
tie  cams  determine  the  length  of  time  the  valves 
emain  open,  also  the  speed  with  which  it  opens 
nd  closes.  Referring  to  Fig.  63,  A  is  the  crank- 
baft,  P  the  piston,  D  is  the  cam-shaft  which 
arries  the  cam  E.  The  speed  of  the  cam-shaft 
epends  upon  the  type  of  engine.  The  one 
[lown  in  Fig.  63  is  driven  at  half  the  speed  of 
16  crank-shaft  through  the  gear  wheels  B  and 
,  B  being  one  half  the  size  of  C.  H  is  the 
alve  to  be  opened,  which  in  opening  must  be 
fted  off  its  seat.     This  is  done  when  the  cam 

revolves  and  raises  the  roller  G  on  the  lower 
id  of  lifter  rod  F  which  extends  upward  rest- 
[g  against  the  lower  end  of  the  stem  of  valve 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


H,  although  between  the  two  roda,  or  rather  at 
their  point  of  contact  are  nut  and  lock-nut  L, 


111   ItR  IjO^^ation 


?or  adjnstintr  tho  Icri^'tli  of  P  whon  timing  th 
valve.     K  is  a  s|)ini]  sjn-iiij:.  the  function  o 


The  Automobile  Handbook  151 

which  is  to  close  the  valve,  after  the  cam  E  trav- 
els around  and  allows  G  to  drop.  Directly- 
above  valve  H  is  the  intake  valve  M,  which  in 
this  case  opens  downward.  This  valve  opens 
automatically,  due  to  the  suction  of  the  piston 
in  moving  downwards  on  the  intake  stroke,  but 
is  kept  closed  during  the  compression  and  ex- 
haust strokes  of  the  piston,  by  the  pressure  in 
the  cylinder. 

Modern  forms  of  construction  make  the  cam- 
shaft and  cams  from  one  piece  of  steel,  and  the 
cams  are  then  said  to  be  integral  with  the  shaft. 
This  method  makes  it  possible  to  place  the  cams 
in  exactly  the  right  position  at  the  factory,  and 
the  danger  of  lost  power  from  improper  placing 
is  thus  greatly  reduced. 

Carbon  Deposit— Symptoms  of.  One  of  the 
most  fruitful  sources  of  trouble  in  internal  com- 
bustion motors  is  that  of  the  carbon  deposit.  If 
the  cylinders  get  too  much  oil,  or  if  oil  of  a 
heavy  or  inferior  grade  is  used,  a  portion  of  it 
will  work  up  past  the  pistons,  where  it  will  be 
evaporated  or  consumed  by  the  intense  heat, 
leaving  a  deposit  of  carbon.  This  may  be  aug- 
mented by  too  rich  a  mixture,  which  serves  to 
deposit  film  upon  film  of  carbon  on  the  inside, 
and  top  of  the  compression  chamber,  and  on  the 
head  of  the  piston.  The  films  thus  formed  will 
in  time  commence  to  scale,  and  the  projections 
fused  by  the  heat  of  the  (^plosions  will  servo  to 
prematurely  ignite  the  charge.  The  symptoms 
are  back-firing  and  knocking  in  the  cylinders 


152  The  Automobile  Handbook 

— as  if  the  spark  were  too  far  advanced.  An 
almost  infallible  symptom  of  excessive  carbon 
deposit  in  the  cylinders  is  the  motor  showing 
plenty  of  power  at  high  car  speeds,  but  deficient 
in  hill-climbing  on  high  gear.  At  slow  engine 
speeds  the  incandescent  carbon  projections  serve 
to  pre-ignite  the  charge,  thereby  reducing  the 
power  of  the  motor.  The  cure  is  to  take  off  the 
cylinder  head  and  scrape  off  the  carbon  deposit 
from  the  top  of  the  piston  and  inside  of  the  cyl- 
inder head.  Carbon  also  will  form  on  the  porce- 
lain portion  of  the  spark  plugs,  thereby  furnish- 
ing a  circuit  which  the  high  tension  current  may 
follow,  rather  than  jump  the  gap  between  the 
points  of  the  plug.  Usually  only  a  part  of  the 
current  will  pass  by  way  of  the  carbon  film, 
still  leaving  a  weak  spark  at  the  points,  which 
in  op(»n  air,  when  testing  plugs,  may  seem  strong 
enoiijz'h.  This  causes  intermittent  firing.  The 
symptoms  are  similar  to  a  poor  contact  com- 
mutator. This  condition  is  diflScult  to  detect, 
for  the  reason  that  when  the  plug  is  subjected 
to  the  usual  test  of  removing  from  the  cylinder 
and  closing  the  electrical  circuit,  the  spark  is 
seen  to  jump  free  and  fat  between  the  sparking 
points.  This  is  because  electrical  energy  which 
is  sufficient  to  jump  between  two  points  i^-inch 
apart  in  the  open  air  will  jump  less  than  1/16- 
incli  in  th(*  explosion  chamber  under  60  pounds 
compression.  The  causes  of  overheating  in 
motors  may  be  summed  up  as  follows :  Poor  oil, 
insufficient   oil,  bad  mixture,   slow  spark,  ob- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  153 

structed  water  pipe,  low  water  and  valves  out 
of  time. 

Lubricating  oil  is  charged  with  the  crime  of 
depositing  carbon  on  the  surfaces  of  the  com- 
bustion chamber,  and  this  carbon  in  turn  causes 
*  *  bucking, '  \  and  pre-ignition.  It  probably  is  true 
that  inferior  cylinder  lubricating  oil  will  de- 
posit carbon,  to  some  extent,  but  the  main  trou- 
ble is  from  the  gasoline  which  will  not  vaporize 
until  it  is  allowed  to  contact  with  the  hot  cyl- 
inder walls,  and  this  process  of  reducing  the 
gasoline  to  vapor  is  bound  to  lead  to  a  carbon 
deposit  for  the  same  reason  that  wood  is 
** coked"  if  it  is  heated  to  a  temperature  of 
about  650  deg.  C,  provided  the  amount  of  air 
present  is  less  than  that  which  would  cause 
complete  combustion. 


154  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Carburetors,  Principles  of.  Internal  combn 
tion  engines  used  for  the  propulsion  of  mot< 
ears  use  gasoline  for  fuel  in  almost  all  case 
Experimenting  is  now  going  on  in  the  endeavi 
to  use  kerosene  or  alcohol,  and  in  some  cas 
even  lower  grades  of  fuel.  Gasoline  and  ker 
sene  are  secured  by  heating  crude  petroleu 
until  vapor  is  given  off,  and  this  vapor  is  passe 
through  pipes  that  are  kept  cool  enough  to  co: 
dense  the  vapor  into  a  liquid.  Alcohol  is  s 
cured  by  the  distillation  of  fermented  veg 
table  matter,  and  may  be  secured  in  almo 
any  part  of  the  country  if  suitable  means  f( 
distillation  were  to  be  developed. 

Before  the  gasoline  is  ready  to  bum  in  tl 
engine  cylinders,  it  must  be  turned  into  a  gj 
or  vapor.  If  gasoline  stands  exposed  to  the  a 
it  will  vaporize  at  a  comparatively  slow  rat 
but  if  ejected  from  a  small  opening  in  a  fii 
stream  it  will  turn  to  vapor  and  mix  with  a 
much  more  rapidly.  It  is  always  necessary  1 
mix  the  gasoline  vapor  with  air  in  certain  pr 
portions  to  make  a  combustible  mixture.  Tl 
instrument  that  turns  the  gasoline  into  a  g] 
and  then  mixes  the  gas  with  air  is  called  tl 
carhurcior  and  the  process  is  called  carbureiin, 

Many  forms  of  carburetors  have  been  mai 
and  used,  but  all  instruments  now  fitted  are  i 
the  type  known  as  automatic  float  feed.  Tl 
spray  nozzle  is  the  small  opening  inside  of  tl 
carburetor  through  which  the  liquid  gasolii 
is  drawn  when  it  is  to  be  made  into  a  vapo 


The  Automohite  Handbook  155 

Tlie  nozzle  opening  Ib  placed  in  a  tut^e  through 
which  the  air  must  pass  on  its  way  to  the  engine 
cylinders.  See  Pig.  64,  One  end  of  this  tube 
is  open  to  the  outside  air  and  the  other  end 
sttaches  to  the  piping  that  goes  to  the  engine 
cylindera.  The  end. open  to  the  air  is  called 
the  primary  air  intake. 


Fig.   64 

Float-Feed    Carburetor  Mixing   Chamber   and   Air 

Valve.     A,   Spray   Nozzle.     B,    Adjusting   Needle 

Valve.     C,  Primary  Air  Intake.     D,  Auxiliary  Air 

Valve.    E,  Air  Valve  Spring.    F,  Throttle  Valve. 

"When  the  piston  travels  away  from  the  cylin- 
der head  on  the  inlet  stroke,  the  inlet  valve 
opens  and  a  cylinder  full  of  mixture  is  drawn 
from  the  carburetor.    The  air  to  make  the  mix- 


156  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ture  is  drawn  through  the  carburetor  primary- 
air  intake  and  must  pass  by  the  nozzle  opening. 
The  gasoline  is  maintained  at  a  height  slightly 
below  the  nozzle  opening,  and  the  suction,  or 
partial  vacuum,  of  the  incoming  air  causes 
some  of  the  gasoline  to  be  drawn  out  of  the 
nozzle  so  that  its  spray  mixes  with  the  air. 
This  is  the  principle  on  which  all  modem  car- 
buretors operate,  but  certain  added  features 
are  necessary  to  compensate  for  the  different 
conditions  obtaining  under  different  rates  of 
car  speed  and  engine  load. 

The  first  difficulty  that  would  be  encountered 
with  the  simple  form  of  carburetor  just  de- 
scribed would  be  that  of  a  falling  gasoline 
level  in  the  nozzle  as  the  fuel  was  drawn  into 
the  engine.  This  would  finally  result  in  a  fail- 
ure of  the  fuel  supply  and  stoppage  of  the 
engine.  In  actual  practice,  the  gasoline  from 
the  car's  tank  does  not  pass  directly  into  the 
nozzle,  but  goes  first  into  a  small  tank  on  the 
carburetor,  which  tank  is  called  the  float  cham- 
ber. Of  the  two  openings  in  this  small  tank, 
one  goes  to  the  gasoline  supply  and  the  other 
communicates  with  the  carburetor  nozzle.  In- 
side of  the  float  chamber  is  a  piece  of  cork  cov- 
ered with  shellac  or  else  a  hollow  metal  cylin- 
der, either  of  which  will  float  on  the  surface  of 
whatever  gasoline  may  be  in  the  chamber.  At 
the  opening  of  the  pipe  that  comes  into  the 
float  chamber  from  the  gasoline  tank  is  a  small 
valve.    Fig.    65,    operated    by    connections    at- 


The  AutomohUe  Bandbooh  157 

tached  to  the  float  itself.  When  the  float  is 
low  down  in  the  chamber  this  valve  is  open; 
bat  as  the  float  rises  on  the  surface  of  the  liquid 
coming  from  the  tank,  it  Anally  reaches  a  height 


Carburetor  Float  Valve  Mechanism.    A,  rioat.    B. 

Float   Lever    Pivot.     C.   Float  Lever.     D,   Float 

Valve.  B,  Gasoline  Inlet, 
at  which  the  valve  is  closed,  and  it  will  there- 
fore be  seen  that  the  level  of  the  liquid  cannot 
rise  above  the  point  determined  by  the  position 
of  the  float  when  the  valve  closes.  When  gaso- 
line is  drawn  from  the  float  chamber,  through 
the  nozzle,  the  float  falls  with  the  fuel  level 
until  the  valve  is  again  opened,  and  by  this 
repeated  action  the  level  is  maintained  constant 

Other  parts  of  the  carburetor,  such  as  the 
anxiliary  air  valve,  are  described  in  the  follow- 
ing pages  and  the  construction  and  adjuatmaiA 
of  tbe  well  known  makes  are  taken  ttp. 


158  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Almost  any  carburetor  will  give  a  reasons 
good  mixture  through  a  limited  range  of  act 
Frequently,  however,  this  range  is  found  in; 
ficient  for  a  particular  engine.    If  right  for 
speeds,  it  is  wrong  for  high  speeds,  and 
versa. 

The  theory  of  carburetor  action  as  regf 
the  behavior  of  the  gasoline  jet  under  diffe] 
air  velocities  is  still  only  partially  underst< 
and  has  been  the  subject  of  a  great  deal 
more  or  less  blind  theorizing,  based  in  m 
cases  on  wholly  inadequate  data. 

A  non-automatic  spraying  carburetor  (i.  e 
simple  nozzle  in  an  air  tube)  makes  no  mixl 
at  all  till  the  velocity  of  the  air  stream  rea( 
a  certain  minimum.  Beyond  this  point, 
richness  increases  with  the  speed.  Dilu 
from  the  auxiliary  valve  is  therefore  requi 
only  when  the  richness  of  the  mixture  exc( 
the  normal.  At  this  point  it  should  be  rem 
bered  that,  so  far  as  the  spray  is  conceri 
there  is  no  difference  between  a  wide  open  th 
tie  at  slow  engine  speed  (as  for  instance, 
hill)  and  reduced  throttle  with  high  en^ 
speed.  The  spraying  action  is  concerned  c 
with  the  velocity  of  the  air  past  the  nozzle 
fore  the  throttle  is  reached. 

Almost  every  carburetor  is  provided  with 
needle  valve  controlling  the  spray  orifice.  "\^ 
this  provision  it  is  very  easy  to  detem 
whether  or  not  the  carburetor  is  doing  as  ^ 
as  it  should  at  either  low  or  high  speed. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  159 

example,  suppose  we  start  with  an  adjust- 
ment known  to  be  satisfactory  for  medium 
speeds.  If  the  low  speed  performance  is  under 
suspicion,  it  is  only  necessary  to  increase  the 
needle  valve  opening  slightly  to  ascertain 
whether  starting  is  thereby  made  easier,  and  a 
walking  pace  more  smoothly  maintained.  If 
overheating  results,  reducing  the  needle  open- 
ing will  probably  cure  it.  Similarly  slight 
changes  in  the  needle  opening,  without  chang- 
ing any  other  adjustment,  will  determine 
whether  or  not  the  mixture  is  improved  by 
less,  or  more  gasoline  dt  high  speed.  When  the 
carburetor  is  set  for  a  medium  speed,  if  the  mix- 
ture is  weak  at  low  speeds,  and  rich  at  high 
speeds,  more  air  should  be  admitted,  but  if  the 
mixture  is  rich  at  low  speeds,  and  weak  at 
high,  less  air  should  be  admitted.  Much  de- 
pends upon  the  spring. 

It  is  a  characteristic  of  all  springs  that  their 
flexure  is  in  direct  proportion  to  the  load  im- 
posed, up  to  the  elastic  limit  of  the  spring. 

The  Float  Feed  Carburetor,  Fig.  66,  con- 
siists  of  two  principal  parts :  a  gasoline  recepta- 
cle which  contains  a  hollow  metal  or  a  cork 
float,  suitably  arranged  to  control  the  supply  of 
gasoline  from  the  tank  or  reservoir,  and  a  tube 
or  pipe  in  which  is  located  a  jet  or  nozzle  in 
csommunication  with  the  gasoline  receptacle. 
This  tube  or  pipe  is  called  the  mixing  chamber. 
The  gasoline  level  is  maintained  about  one-six- 
teenth of  an  inch  below  the  opening  in  the  jet 


,60  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  161 

in  the  mixing  chamber.  The  inductive  action 
of  the  motor-piston  creates  a  partial  vacuum  in 
the  pipe  leading  from  the  mixing  chamber  of 
the  carbureter  to  the  motor,  thereby  causing 
the  gasoline  to  flow  from  the  jet  and  mixing 
with  the  air  supply,  to  be  drawn  into  the  cylin- 
der of  the  motor  in  the  form  of  an  explosive 
mixture. 

Spraying  Carburetors.  In  this  type  of  car- 
buretor the  quantity  of  gasoline  delivered  is 
not  proportional  to  the  volume  of  air  delivery 
at  different  rates  of  flow.  This  difficulty  has, 
however,  been  met  by  providing  a  supplemen- 
tary air  inlet  to  the  carbureter,  which  may  be 
regulated  by  the  driver  at  will. 

Another  method  of  correcting  the  variations 
in  the.  proportions  of  the  gasoline  charge  is 
shown  in  Fig.  67,  and  consists  in  providing  a 
second  spray  nozzle.  In  the  majority  of  cases 
in  which  multiple  nozzle  carburetors  are  used, 
there  are  two  nozzles,  practically  two  carbure- 
ters, a  small  one  for  idle  running,  and  slow 
speeds,  and  a  larger  one  for  heavy  work.  In 
some  instances,  three,  and  even  four  nozzles  are 
used. 

The  Venturi  Tube  Carburetor  operates  on 
the  principle  that  if  two  converging  air  nozzles 
have  their  small  ends  brought  together,  there 
is  a  point  where  the  suction  remains  practically 
constant,  therefore  if  the  fuel  nozzle  be  located 
at  this  point  the  result  will  be,  a  constant  mix- 
ture at  all  speeds.    In  a  carburetor  of  this  type 


162 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


there  are  no  auxiliary  spring  controlle< 
valves,  no  moving  strangling  cage,  nor  an; 
chanical  interregulation  between  the  air 
the  gasoline. 

An  elementary  Venturi  tube  is  shown  ir 
68,  which  represents  the  tube  A  having  a 
of  water  on  it.  The  discharge  at  A  is  gi 
increased  by  the  addition  of  the  divergenl 
zle  at  the  outlet  end.    Under  these  condi 


Fig.  68 
Principles  of  the  Venturi  Carburetor 

the  velocity  of  flow  in  the  throat  at  A  is  g] 
than  that  produced  by  the  head  H.  WJ 
pressure  gauge  is  placed  at  A  the  pressi 
found  to  be  less  than  atmospheric;  in  fac 
fluid  is  discharging  into  a  partial  vacuun 
the  velocity  at  A  is  due  to  the  head  H  pli 
head  due  to  the  vacuum.  Advantage  is 
of  this  fact  by  placing  the  gasoline  out 
the  point  A,  in  which  case  the  velocity  c 


The  Automobile  Handbook  163 

suction  controls  the  flow  of  gasoline  at  all  limes 
thus  giving  a  perfect  mixture. 

AuxniiiARY  Air- Valve.  It  has  been  deter- 
mined from  the  result  of  experiments  that  to 
get  the  maximum  power  at  any  speed  from  a 
gasoline  motor  equipped  with  a  float-feed  car- 
buretor, the  jet  of  the  carburetor  must  have  a 
larger  opening  for  low  speeds  than  for  high 
speeds.  As  this  practice  would  require  a  very 
delicate  adjustment  it  consequently  becomes 
almost  impracticable,  because  necessitating  a 
constantly  varying  regulation  for  each  frac- 
tional variation  of  speed  of  the  motor.  The 
difficulty  may  be  obviated  by  the  use  of  an  aux- 
iliary air-valve,  located  in  the  induction-pipe 
close  to  the  inlet-valve  of  the  motor. 

The  jet  of  the  carburetor  is  set  for  the  maxi- 
mum quantity  of  gasoline  at  the  slowest  speed 
of  the  motor,  and  as  the  speed  is  increased  the 
auxiliary  air-valve  comes  into  action  and  re- 
duces the  supply  of  air  passing  through  the  car- 
bureter, thereby  reducing  the  suction  or  partial 
vacuum  at  this  point,  and  maintaining  a  con- 
stant quality  of  mixture  at  all  times. 

The  auxiliary  air  valve  has  been  attached  to  a 
dash  pot  construction  in  many  makes  of  modern 
carburetors.  The  dash  pot  may  operate  with 
air  or  with  gasoline  for  its  fluid,  but  in  either 
case  the  purpose  is  to  prevent  sudden  opening 
and  closing  of  the  valve  or  **  fluttering. ' '  Such 
fluctuation  is  a  cause  of  noise  and  also  tends 
to  destroy  the  proportions  of  the  mixture. 


164  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Frequently  it  is  observed  that  the  intake  to 
the  carburetor  is  so  restricted  that  noise  issues, 
and  a  little  further  investigation  in  such  cases 
will  disclose,  in  all  probability,  that  wire-draw- 
ing is  one  of  the  ills.  It  is  not  alone  the  noise 
that  is  objectionable  in  such  eases;  the  power 
of  the  motor  will  be  less,  due  to  the  restriction 
which  has  the  effect  of  reducing  the  weight  of 
mixture  that  enters  into  the  cylinders,  and  the 
power  of  a  motor  is  undoubtedly  proportional 
to  the  weight  of  mixture  that  enters  the  cylin- 
ders, assuming,  of  course,  that  the  same  is  in 
acceptable  form,  and  that  it  is  completC'ly 
burned.  True,  there  must  be  a  depression  in 
the  carburetor  in  order  that  there  will  be  a  dif- 
ference in  pressure,  so  that  gasoline  will  be 
sucked  into  the  train  of  air ;  equally  true,  it  is 
of  the  greatest  importance  to  have  the  depres- 
sion as  low  as  possible  in  order  that  the  power 
of  the  motor  will  be  a  maximum.  If  the  depres- 
sion is  but  slight,  provided  the  carburetor  is 
properly  designed,  the  amount  of  fuel  entrained 
will  be  adequate  for  the  purpose.  If,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  depression  is  very  large  and 
holds  considerable  fuel,  it  will  soon  be  found  to 
be  wasteful  of  the  liquid. 

"With  the  low  grades  of  fuel  now  in  use,  wire- 
drawing is  very  harmful,  inasmuch  as  it  tends 
to  separate  the  gasoliue  from  the  air  and  causes 
the  gasoline  vapor  to  again  become  a  liquid  and 
deposit  on  the  tubing  walls. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  165 

Effect  of  Cold  on  Oasoline.  The  tempera- 
ture has  a  very  marked  effect  on  the  rapidity 
with  which  gasoline  vaporizes,  and  in  cold 
weather  it  is  necessary  to  supply  heat  to  the 
carburetor. 

The  carburetor  should  preferably  be  jacket- 
ed, and  it  may  be  warmed  either  from  the  circu- 
lating water,  or  by  taking  a  small  quantity  of 
the  hot  gases  from  the  exhaust  pipe.  If  water  is 
used  it  should  be  taken  from  a  point  just  be- 
yond the  discharge  of  the  pump,  and  should  be 
delivered  to  the  return  pipe  from  the  engine 
jacket  to  the  radiator. 

Whether  exhaust  gases  or  water  is  used,  the 
flow  should  be  regulated  by  a  cock,  otherwise 
too  much  heat  will  be  received  in  warm  weather. 
When  the  carburetor  is  cold,  the  engine  may  be 
started  by  pouring  warm  water  over  it,  care  be- 
ing taken  not  to  let  any  portion  of  the  water 
get  into  the  gasoline  through  any  aperture  in 
the  top.  Another  method  of  warming  up  the 
carbureter  is  to  wring  cloths  out  of  hot  water, 
and  wrap  them  around  it. 

While  it  is  not  generally  realized,  the  flow  of 
gasoline  through  the  nozzle  is  greatly  influenced 
by  the  temperature  of  the  liquid.  Gasoline  at 
very  low  temperatures,  such  as  freezing,  and 
slightly  above,  is  reduced  as  much  as  30%  in 
volume  of  flow  below  the  point  reached  when  the 
liquid  itself  is  warmed  to  between  65°  and  80° 
Fahrenheit.  This  forms  one  more  reason  for 
jacket  heating  on  all  carburetors. 


166  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Carburetor  Inspection.  The  float  valve  of 
the  carburetor  should  be  tested  for  leaks  by 
opening  the  valve  between  it  and  the  tank  and 
looking  for  gasoline  drip.  If  gasoline  escapes, 
it  may  simply  be  because  the  float  ia  set  too 
high,  so  that  it  does  not  close  the  needle  valve 
before  gasoline  issues  from  the  spray  nozzle. 
Or,  it  may  be  that  the  valve  itself  leaks. 

At  this  stage,  it  is  well  to  assume  that  the 
float  is  properly  adjusted,  and  to  begin  by  shut- 
ting ofl:*  the  main  gasoline  valve,  and  then  un- 
screwing the  washout  plug  below  the  needle 
valve.  It  may  be  found  that  dirt,  waste,  or  a 
splintt^r  of  wood  has  got  past  the  strainer, 
through  which,  presumably,  the  gasoline  passes 
on  its  way  to  the  float,  and  is  lodged  in  the 
iioedle-valve  opening.  It  may  be  of  advantage 
to  open  the  top  of  the  float  chamber,  which  can 
usually  be  done  without  disturbing  other  parts, 
and  take  out  the  float  and  needle  valve.  A  lit- 
tl(^  gasoline  washed  down  through  the  needle- 
valve  oi'ifice  will  thi^n  generally  carry  away  any 
dirt  that  may  have  clung  to  the  valve  when  the 
])lii<r  was  unscrewtMl.  If  the  gasoline  still  drips 
when  the  ])arts  are  r(^ass(*mbled,  the  mixing 
rliniiilx'r  sliouhl  b(^  opc^ncd  and  the  top  of  the 
spr*ay  nozzle  examined  to  see  if  gasoline  is  es- 
ea])iim'  from  it.  An  el(H'tri'»  light  should  be 
used  iu  iiiakiMg  an  examination  of  the  carbu- 
reter, as.  with  aMv  otlier  illuminant,  a  fire  might 
bo  started.  The  ])ortable  electric  flashlights 
answer  the  j)urpose  very  well. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  167 

Occasionally  a  carburetor  is  found  to  be  too 
large  for  the  engine,  or  to  have  too  large  a 
spray  orifice.  The  advice  has  been  given  in 
such  a  case  to  reduce  the  size  of  the  spray  ori- 
fice by  lightly  pening  the  top  of  it  with  a  ham- 
mer. This  is  counsel  of  doubtful  value,  even 
if  the  hole  be  afterward  reamed  true,  since  it  is 
manifest  that  the  burr  formed  in  the  top  of  the 
orifice  cannot  possibly  be  deep  enough  to  be  at 
all  regular  in  its  form.  It  will  almost  inevita- 
bly throw  a  jet  slantwise,  instead  of  straight, 
and  this  je^  failing  to  strike  the  main  part  of 
the  air  stream  will  be  only  partly  atomized, 
with  resulting  misfiring  and  general  bad  be- 
havior, especially  at  low  speeds.  If  a  new  noz- 
zle of  smaller  size  cannot  be  substituted,  the 
best  thing  to  do  in  case  there  is  no  needle  valve 
to  adjust  the  flow  of  gasoline  to  the  jet  is  prob- 
ably, to  warm  the  ingoing  air  as  much  as  possi- 
ble, in  order  to  make  evaporation  by  tempera- 
ture take  the  place  of  atomizing  due  to  the  air 's 
velocity. 

Holly  Carburetor,  Model  H.  This  carbure- 
tor is  shown  in  Fig.  69.  Before  the  fuel  enters 
the  float  chamber  it  passes  a  strainer  disk  A 
which  removes  all  foreign  matter  that  might  in- 
terfere with  the  seating  of  the  float  valve  B 
under  the  action  of  the  cork  float  and  its  lever 
C.  Fuel  passes  from  the  float  chamber,  D,  into 
the  nozzle  well  E,  through  a  passage  F,  drilled 
through  the  wall  separating  them.     From  the 


168 


The  Avtomobile  Handbook 


nozzle  well  the  fuel  enters  the  nozzle  proper,  G, 
through  the  hole  H,  and  then  rises  past  the 
needle  valve  I,  to  a  level  in  its  cup-shaped  upper 
end,  which  just  submerges  the  lower  end  of  a 
small  tube,  J,  which  has  its  outlet  at  the  edge  of 
the  throttle  disk. 


Fig.  69 
Holly  Carburetor,  Model  "H" 

Cranking  the  engine,  with  the  throttle  kept 
nearly  closed,  causes  a  very  energetic  flow  of  air 
through  the  tube  J  and  its  calibrated  throttling 
plug  K,  but  the  lower  end  of  this  tube  is  sub- 
merged in  fuel,  with  the  engine  at  rest.    There- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  •  169 

fore,  the  act  of  cranking  automatically  primes 
the  motor.  With  the  motor  turning  over,  under 
its  own  power,  flow  through  the  tube  J  takes 
place  at  very  high  velocity,  thus  causing  the  fuel 
entering  the  tube  with  the  air  to  be  thoroughly 
atomized  upon  its  exit  from  the  small  opening 
at  the  throttle  edge.  This  tube  is  called  the 
**low  speed  tube"  because,  for  starting  and  idle 
running,  all  of  the  fuel  and  most  of  the  air  in 
the  fuel  mixture  are  taken  through  it. 

As  the  throttle  opening  is  increased  beyond 
that  needed  by  idling  of  the  motor,  a  consider- 
able volume  of  air  is  caused  to  move  through  the 
passage  bounded  by  the  conical  walls  L  of  the 
so-called  strangling  tube.  In  its  passage  into 
the  strangling  tube^  the  air  is  made  to  assume  an 
annular,  converging-stream  form,  so  that  the 
point  in  its  flow  at  which  it  attains  its  highest 
velocity  is  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  the 
upper  end  of  the  **standpipe"  M,  set  on  to  the 
body  of  the  nozzle  piece  G.  The  velocity  of  air 
flow  being  highest  at  the  upper,  or  outlet,  end  of 
the  standpipe,  the  pressure  in  the  air  stream 
is  lowest  at  the  same  point.  For  this  reason 
there  is  a  pressure  difference  between  the  top 
and  bottom  openings  of  the  pipe  M,  thus  causing 
air  to  flow  through  it  from  bottom  to  top,  the  air 
posing  downward  through  the  series  of  open- 
ings N  in  the  standpipe  supporting-bridge  and 
then  up  through  the  standpipe. 

With  a  very  small  throttle  opening,  the  action 
through  the  standpipe  keeps  the  nozzle  thor- 


^tuLoJ-^: 


170 


The  Automohile  Handbook 


oughly  cleaned  out,  the  fuel  passing  directly 
from  the  needle  opening  into  the  entrance  of  the 
standpipe.  To  secure  the  utmost  atoraization 
of  the  fuel,  the  passage  through  the  standpipe  is 
given  aspirator  form,  which  further  increases 
the  velocity  of  the  flow  through  it,  and  insures 
the  greatest  possible  mixture  of  the  fuel  with  the 
air,  A  further  point  is  that  the  atomized  dis- 
charge of  the  standpipe  enters  the  air  stream  at 
a  point  at  which  the  latter  attains  its  highest 
velocity  and  lowest  pressure. 


Fig.  70 
Holly   Carburetor,    Model   "G" 
There  is  but  one  adjustment,  the  needle  valve 
I,    The  effect  of  a  change  in  its  setting  is  mani- 
fest equally  over  the  whole  range  of  the  motor. 
Holly  Carburetor,  Model  G.    This  design  is 
especially  for  Ford  cars.     Its  method  of  opera- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  171 

tion  is  identical  with  that  of  the  Model  H,  its 
chief  differences  as  compared  with  the  othei^ 
model  being  structural  ones,  giving  a  horizontal 
instead  of  a  vertical  outlet,  a  needle  valve  con- 
trolled from  above,  and  a  general  condensation 
of  the  design  to  secure  compactness. 

Fuel  enters  the  carburetor,  shown  in  Fig.  70, 
by  way  of  a  float  mechanism  in  which  a  hinged 
ring  float,  in  rising  with  the  fuel,  raises  the  float 
valve  into  contact  with  its  seat.  The  seat  is  a 
removable  piece  and  the  float  valve  is  provided 
with  a  tip  of  hard  material. 

From  the  float  chamber  the  gasoline  passes 
through  the  ports  E  to  the  nozzle  orifice  in 
which  is  located  the  pointed  end  of  the  needle 
F.  It  is  noted  that  the  ports  E  are  well  above 
the  bottom  of  the  float  chamber,  so  that,  even 
should  water  or  other  foreign  matter  enter  the 
float  chamber  it  would  have  to  be  present  in  a 
considerable  quantity  before  it  could  interfere 
with  the  carburetor  operation. 

A  drain  valve  D  is  provided  for  the  purpose 
of  drawing  off  whatever  sediment,  or  water,  may 
accumulate  in  the  float  chamber.  The  float  level 
is  so  set  that  the  gasoline  rises  past  the  needle 
valve  F  and  fills  the  cup  G  to  submerge  the 
lower  end  of  the  small  tube  H.  Drilled  passages 
in  the  casting  communicate  with  the  upper  end 
of  this  tube  with  an  outlet  at  the  edge  of  the 
throttle  disk.  The  tube  and  passage  give  the 
starting  and  idling  actions,  as  described  in  con- 
nection with  the  Model  H. 


172  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  strangling  tube  I  gives  the  entering  air 
stream  an  annular  converging  form,  in  which 
the  lowest  pressure  and  highest  velocity  occur 
immediately  above  the  cup  G ;  thus  it  is  seen  that 
the  fuel  issuing  past  the  needle  valve  F  is  imme- 
diately picked  up  by  the  main  air  stream  at  the 
point  of  the  latter  *s  highest  velocity. 

The  lever  L  operates  the  throttle  in  the  mix- 
ture outlet,  and  a  larger  disk  with  its  lever  S  is 
a  spring-returned  strangler  valve  in  the  air  in- 
take, for  facilitating  starting  in  extremely  cold 
weather. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  X73 

Kingston  Carburetor.    The  Kingston  carbu- 
retor, Fig.  71,  uses  a  ball  type  of  auxiliary 


,  Fig.  71 

__^  pKingatoii  Ciirburetoi 
air  valve  instead  of  the  employment  of  spring 
control  dashpot,  diaphragm  or  auxiliary  air 
valve.  The  main  air  intake  A  communicates 
with  the  vertical  mixing  chamber  B,  in  which 
the  sides  C  are  beveled  outward,  giving  a  center 
tube  eifeet,  so  that  the  air  current  converges 
above  the  nozzle  N,  as  indicated  by  the  arrows. 
D  marks  the  exit  to  the  motor  controlled  by  the 
butterfly  throttle  E.  Auxiliary  air  enters 
through  five  circular  openings  G,  arranged  in 
a  semi-circle  in  the  floor  of  an  extension  H  of 
the  mixing  chamber.  Each  of  these  five  open- 
ings consists  of  a  bushing  K  threaded  into  the 
opening  in  the  extension  H,  and  having  its  top 
beveled  to  receive  a  five-eighths  inch  bell  metal 
bronze  ball  Ji.  which  is  retained  in  position  by 
a  threaded  bushing  M,  fitting  in  the  top  of  the 
extension  H.  It  has  a  pair  of  downward  project- 


174  The  Autofnobile  Handbook 

ing  hooks  N  for  preventing  the  ball  getting  out 
of  position,  but  not  interfering  with  the  ball 
rising  vertically  when  forced  to  do  so  by  the 
pull  of  the  motor,  at  which  time  additional  air 
is  admitted.  Two  others  of  the  five  auxiliary 
entrances  are  shown  at  I  and  O,  all  of  the  five 
containing  balls  of  the  same  size  and  weight. 
The  air  entering  through  the  openings  guarded 
by  these  balls  has  an  imrestricted  passage  into 
the  mixing  chamber  and  thence  to  the  motor. 
Any  ball  is  easily  moved  by  unthreading  the 
cap  M,  after  which  the  ball  can  be  lifted  out. 

The  gasoline  enters  the  carburetor  from 
the  gasoline  tank  by  way  of  the  connec- 
tion J,  which  is  guarded  by  the  needle  valve  R, 
operated  through  the  lever  S,  pivoted  in  the 
side  of  the  casting  and  with  its  long  arm  bear- 
ing on  the  top  of  the  cork  float.  The  float  is 
fitted  with  a  metal  bushing.  Complete  control 
of  the  nozzle  N  is  through  the  needle  valve  V, 
which,  at  the  top  of  the  carbureter,  has  a  T- 
piece  X,  by  which  it  can  be  raised  or  lowered, 
thereby  regulating  the  flow  of  gasoline.  A 
feature  of  the  throttle  connection  T  is  the  ser- 
rated lower  face  of  its  hub  W,  so  that  by  loos- 
ening a  lock  nut  Z,  the  handle  T  may  be  turned 
in  any  direction  most  convenient.  The  air  in- 
•take  A  consists  of  an  L-shaped  piece  secured 
to  the  carbureter  casting  by  a  nut  P,  and  in  the 
base  of  this  is  a  circle  of  openings  F  where  cur- 
rents of  air  can  enter,  the  object  of  these  open- 
ings being  that  by  priming  the  carburetor,  and 


The  Automobile  Handbook  176 

overflowins:  the  open  mouth  of  nozzle  N  the 
gasoline  falls  to  the  vicinity  of  the  holes  F,  and 
the  air  entering  through  these  openings  will 
facilitate  the  breaking  up  of  the  gasoline,  and 
thereby  assist  the  starting  of  the  motor. 

Krebs  Carburetor.  In  the  Krebs  style  of  car- 
buretor, a  constant  proportion  of  gasoline  and 
air  is  maintained  by  means  of  suitable  sections 
of  air  and  gasoline  outlets.  The  openings,  are 
so  arranged  that  a  proper  mixture  is  main- 
tained at  minimum  suctions,  after  which  grad- 
ually increasing  quantities  of  supplementary 
air  are  admitted. 

A  number  of  attempts  have  been  made  to  im- 
prove upon  the  Krebs  principle  by  variously 
shaping  the  supplementary  air  openings,  or  the 
spring  on  the  supplementary  air  valves,  so  as 
to  insure  complete  compensation  for  the  in- 
creas.e  in  richness  of  the  mixture  formed  in  the 
spray  chamber  with  increasing  suction,  by  the 
addition  of  the  correct  amount  of  supplemen- 
tary air  at  all  suctions.  The  mixture  formed  in 
an  ordinary  spray  carbureter  becomes  richer  as 
the  suction  increases.  At  first  the  only  means 
provided  to  correct  this 'defect  was  a  hand-regu- 
lated air  valve;  but  since  the  advent  of  the 
Krebs  carbureter,  practically  all  new  carburet- 
ers brought  out  have  some  arrangement  for  au-* 
tomatically  keeping  the  mixture  constant,  re- 
gardless of  variations  in  suction.  In  general 
the  means  provided  are  close  copies  of  the 
Krebs  supplementary  air  valve,  though  in  some 


176  The  Automobile  Handbook 

instances  this  valve,  instead  of  being  aetu 
by  the  suction,  is  operated  either  hydraulic 
by  means  of  a  diaphragm  in  a  chamber  com 
nicating  with  the  water  cooling  system,  or 
chanically  by  direct  connection  with  the  tt 
tie  valve. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  177 

Master  CAiffiUBETOR.    This  carburetor,  shown 
in  Fig.  72,  is  unique  in  that  it  has  no  adjuBt- 


ments,  and  is  so  simple  that  it  may  be  readily 
taken  apart  and  put  together  again.  In  the 
Master  carburetor  both  the  fuel  and  the  air  are 
positively  regulated.  This  regulation  is  accom- 
plished by  a  rotary  throttle,  which  not  only  un- 
covers a  series  of  minute  holes  in  the  fuel  dis- 


Fig.  ; 
Master  Carburetor  Vapor! zing  Action 

tributer,  but  eliminates  the  butterfly  valve  found 
in  most  other  carburetors.  This  action  is  shown 
in  Fig.  73.    When  the  throttle  is  closed  fuel  is 


178  The  Automobile  Handbook 

admitted  through  but  one  hole,  suflScient  for  slow 
speed  or  idling.  As  the  throttle  is  opened  addi- 
tional holes  are  uncovered,  one  by  one,  and  the 
fuel  supply  increased.  The  rotary  valve  does  not 
become  worn,  as  it  does  not  come  in  contact  with 
the  throttle  chamber  in  which  it  rotates.     The 


Fig.  74 
Master  Carburetor  Damper 

damper  shown  in  Fig.  74  is  a  rigid  plate,  extend- 
ing entirely  across  the  passageway,  paralleling 
the  fuel  distributer.  This  damper  lever  is  at- 
tached to  the  hand  control  located  on  the  steering 
post  by  means  of  a  steel  wire  passing  through 
a  brass  tubing.  A  trap  is  located  under  the  float 
chamber  and  it  contains  a  brass  screen  that 
filters  the  fuel,  which  is  again  filtered  by  an- 
other screen  of  tubular  form. 

Rayfield  Carburetor.  The  Rayfield  carbure- 
tor has  no  direct  adjustment  for  the  nozzle 
opening  such  as  would  be  provided  by  a  screw 
needle  valve,  but  to  take  the  place  of  such  an 
adjustment  a  type  of  lever  mechanism  is  used 
that  increases  or  decreases  the  gasoline  supply 


The  Automobile  HandhooJc  179 

according  to  the  degree  of  throttle  opening,  and 
also  provides  means  for  adjusting  the  fuel  flow 
for  high  or  low  speeds  independently  of  each 
other.  Adjustment  is  provided  through  two 
screws  with  milled  heads,  one  of  these  serving  to 
fix  the  position  of  the  nozzle  adjustment  at  low 
engine  speed*  or  with  a  nearly  closed  throttle 
and  the  other  one  operating  only  when  the  throt- 
tle is  more  than  half  way  open.  The  construc- 
tion of  this  instrument  is  clearly  shown  in  Figs. 
75,  76  and  77,  and  the  method  of  adjustment  is 
described  on  the  following  pages. 

Model  D,  Fig.  75 — ^Adjusting  low  speeds: — 
Close  needle  valve  by  turning  low  speed  screw 
to  the  left  until  arm  U  slightly  leaves  contact 
with  the  cam.  Then  turn  to  the  right  one  and 
one-half  turns,  open  throttle  one-quarter,  prime 
carburetor  and  start  motor.  Close  throttle  until 
motor  runs  slowly  without  stopping.  Turn  low 
speed  screw  to  the  left  one  notch  at  a  time  until 
motor  idles  smoothly.  If  motor  does  not  throttle 
low  enough  turn  screw  in  stop  arm  to  the 'left 
with  a  screw  driver.  Carburetor  is  now  adjusted 
for  low  speed. 

Adjusting  high  speed: — ^Now  open  the  throt- 
tie  slowly  until  wide  open.  Should  motor  back- 
fire turn  high  speed  adjusting  screw  to  the  right, 
a  half  turn  at  a  time,  until  motor  runs  without 
a  miss.  Should  motor  not  backfire  turn  high 
speed  adjusting  screw  to  the  left  until  it  does, 
then  to  the  right  until  motor  runs  smoothly  and 
powerfully. 


180  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Do  not  use  low  speed  adjustment  to  get  a  cor- 
rect mixture  at  high  or  intermediate  speeds. 

Should  motor  backfire  or  mixture  be  too  light 
at  intermediate  speeds  (throttle  about  14  open) 


Fig.   75 

Rayfleld  Carburetor.  Model  "D".  A.  Float  Cbam- 
ber.  B,  Mixing  Chamber.  C,  Flange.  D,  Throt- 
tle Lever.  E,  Gasoline  Intake.  H,  Gas  Arm.  J, 
Dash  Adjustment.  K,  Air  Valve.  L,  Needle 
Valve.  M,  Regulating  Cam.  P,  Air  Adjuatment. 
R,  Air  Lock.  S.  Drain  Plug.  T,  Priming  Cap. 
U,  Needle  Arm.  F,  Water  Connection.  O, 
Priming  Lever.  N.  Low  Speed  Adjustment.  O, 
High  Speed  Adjustment.  V.  Primary  Air  In- 
take.   W,  Cam  Shatt. 

turn  air  valve  adjustment  P  to  the  right  a  turn 
or  two,  thus  increasing  the  spring  tension  and 
decreasing  quantity  of  air  slightly. 

Remember  that  it  is  best  to  use  all  the  air  that 
the  motor  will  handle  without  being  sluggish. 

Do  not  change  the  float  level.  It  is  correctly 
set  at  the  factory.     Always  prime  carburetor 


The  Automobile  Handbook  181 

well  before  starting  motor.  Pull  steadily  on 
primer  string.    Don't  jerk. 

Do  not  cut  down  the  air  supply,  unless  the 
gasoline  adjustments  fail  to  give  you  a  powerful 
and  fast  mixture. 

If  motor  does  not  get  the  correct  mixture  at 
intermediate  speed  or  high  speed,  do  not  try  to 
remedy  it  through  a  low  speed  adjustment.  Re- 
member, the  low  speed  adjustment  is  to  be  ad- 
justed only  when  the  motor  is  running  idle. 

In  starting  motor,  do  not  open  throttle  more 
than  one-quarter.  The  motor  will  start  more 
readily  with  the  throttle  slightly  opened  and  it  is 
harmful  as  well  as  useless  to  race  the  motor  in 
starting. 

Before  cranking  motor  pull  dash  button  up. 
After  motor  has  '* warmed  up'*  push  dash  button 
down  to  Running  Position. 

In  stopping  motor  pull  up  dash  button,  open 

throttle  about  i/4  inch,  and  switch  off  ignition, 

thus  leaving  a  sufficient  volume  of  rich  mixture 

'  in   the   cylinders,  which  assures  easy  starting 

when  the  motor  is  again  used. 

Models  G  and  L,  Figs.  76  and  77,  have  no  air 
valve  adjustment  and  only  two  gasoline  adjust- 
ments. 

Always  adjust  carburetor  with  dash  control 
down.  Low  speed  adjustment  must  be  completed 
before  adjusting  ''high.'' 

Adjusting  low  speed: — ^With  throttle  closed, 
and  dash  control  down,  close  nozzle  needle  by 
turning  Low  Speed  adjustment  to  the  left  until 


182 

The  Automobile  Handbook 

^      |MieM-5F 

(I>^ 

®V    ( 

1 

^P 

Bi^pJ 

^1 

MCfi^l^A 

GASOLINE 
INTAHL 

B 

bk!!^ 

c 

5 

Bl 

Fig.   76 

Rayfleld  Carburetor,  Model  "G".  D,  Throtl 
6,  Priming  Lever.  H,  Gaaollne  Arm.  K 
lating  Cam,  S,  Drain  Cock.  U,  Needl 
Arm.    X,  Drain  Cock.    J,  Gasoline  Contr 


M 


The  Automobile  Handbook  183 

Block  U  slightly  leaves  contact  with  the  cam  M. 
Then  turn  to  the  right  about  three  complete 
turns.  Open  throttle  not  more  than  one-quarter. 
Prime  carburetor  by  pulling  steadily  a  few  sec- 
onds on  priming  lever  G.  Start  motor  and  allow 
it  to  run  until  warmed  up.  Then,  with  retarded 
sparky  close  throttle  until  motor  runs  slowly 
without  stopping.  Now,  with  motor  thoroughly 
warm,  make  final  low  speed  adjustment  by  turn- 
ing low  speed  screw  to  left  until  motor  slows 
down,  and  then  turn  to  the  right  a  notch  at  a 
time  until  motor  idles  smoothly. 

If  motor  does  not  throttle  low  enough,  turn 
stop  arm  screw  A  to  the  left  until  it  runs  at  the 
lowest  number  of  revolutions  desired. 

Adjusting  High  Speed: — ^Advance  spark 
about  one-quarter.  Open  throttle  rather  quickly. 
Should  motor  backfire  it  indicates  a  lean  mix- 
ture. Correct  this  by  turning  the  high  speed 
adjusting  screw  to  the  right  about  one  notch  at 
a  time,  until  the  throttle  can  be  opened  quickly 
without  a  backfiring. 

If  'loading"  (choking)  is  experienced  when 
running  under  heavy  load  with  throttle  wide 
open,  it  indicates  too  rich  a  mixture.  This  can 
be  overcome  by  turning  high  speed  adjustment 
to  the  left. 

Adjustment  made  for  high  speed  will  in  no 
way  aflfect  low  speed.  Low  speed  adjustment 
must  not  be  used  to  get  a  correct  mixture  at  high 
speed.    Both  adjustments  are  positively  locked. 

Starting: — ^Before  starting  motor  when  cold 


184 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


observe  the  following.  Open  throttle  not  more 
than  one-quarter.  Enrich  the  mixture  by  pull- 
ing up  dash  control.  Prime  carburetor  by  pull- 
ing on  priming  lever  G  for  a  few  seconds. 

When  stopping  motor,  pull  up  dash  control. 
Open  throttle  about  one-quarter  and  switch  oflf 
ignition.  This  leaves  a  rich  mixture  in  the 
motor,  which  insures  easy  starting. 


Fig.  78 

Schebler  Carburetor,  Model  "D".  A,  Auxiliary  Air 
Valve.  C,  Choke  Valve.  D,  Drain  Cock.  F, 
Float.  M,  Spray  Nozzle.  G,  Gasoline  Inlet.  N, 
Air  Valve  Adjustment.  S,  Air  Valve  Spring.  T, 
Throttle  Valve  Lever.  V,  Gasoline  Adjustment 
Valve. 
Raising  dash  control  enriches  the  mixture  by 

lifting  the  nozzle  needle.  Control  button  should 
be  down  for  running,  except  when  a  richer  mix- 
ture is  required. 

Pull  button  up  full  distance  for  starting. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  185 

Adjustment  of  carburetor  should  always  be 
jnade  with  dash  control  down  and  motor  warm. 

SCHEBLER  Carburetors.  This  make  of  instru- 
ment has  been  built  in  a  number  of  different 
models,  the  first  one  of  which  to  be  used  in  large 
numbers  was  the  Model  D,  Fig.  78.  All  of  the 
important  types  of  Sehebler  carburetors  now  in 
use  are  described  and  instructions  given  for  their 
adjustments  on  the  following  pages. 


Fig.    79 
Sehebler  Carburetor,  Model  "L".    A,  Auxiliary  Air 

Valve.     B,  GaBollne  Needle  Valve.    C,  Priming 

Lever.     D,    iDtermediate  Speed    Cam.     E,    High 

Speed  Cam. 

The  Model  L  carburetor.  Fig.  79,  is  a  type  of 
lift  needle  carburetor  and  is  so  designed  that  the 
amount  of  fuel  entering  the  motor  is  automatic- 
ally controlled  by  means  of  a  raised  needle  work- 
ing automatically  with  the  throttle.  The  adjust- 
ment or  control  of  gasoline  in  this  instrument 


186  The  Automobile  Handbook 

can  be  adjusted  for  low,  intermediate  or  high 
speed,  each  adjustment  being  independent  and 
not  affecting  either  of  the  other  adjustments. 

In  adjusting  the  carburetor,  first  make  adjust- 
ment on  the  auxiliary  air  valve  A  so  that  it  seats 
firmly  but  lightly ;  then  close  the  needle  valve  by 
turning  the  adjustment  screw  B  to  the  right 
until  it  stops.  Do  not  use  any  pressure  on  this 
adjustment  screw  after  it  meets  with  resistance. 
Then  turn  it  to  the  left  from  four  to  five  com- 
plete turns  and  prime  or  flush  the  carburetor  by 
pulling  up  the  priming  lever  C  and  holding  it 
up  for  about  five  seconds.  Next,  open  the  throt- 
tle about  one-third,  and  start  the  motor;  then 
close  the  throttle  slightly,  retard  the  spark  and 
adjust  throttle  lever  screw  F  and  needle  valve 
adjusting  screw  B  so  that  the  motor  runs  at  the 
desired  speed  and  fires  on  all  cylinders. 

After  getting  a  good  adjustment  with  the 
motor  running  idle,  do  not  touch  the  needle  valve 
adjustment  again,  but  make  all  intermediate  and 
high  speed  adjustments  on  the  dials  D  and  E. 
Adjust  pointer  on  the  first  dial  D  from  the 
number  1  towards  3,  about  half  way  between. 
Advance  the  spark  and  open  throttle  so  that  the 
roller  on  the  track  running  below  the  dials  is 
in  line  with  the  first  dial.  If  the  motor  backfires 
with  the  throttle  in  this  position,  and  the  spark 
advanced,  turn  the  indicator  a  little  more  toward 
number  3 ;  or  if  the  mixture  is  too  rich  turn  the 
indicator  back  or  toward  number  1,  until  motor 
is  running  properly  with  the  throttle  in  this  posi- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  187 

tion,  or  at  intermediate  speed.  Now,  open  the 
throttle  wide  and  make  adjustment  on  the  dial 
E  for  high  speed  in  the  same  manner  as  for  in- 
termediate speed  on  dial  D. 

In  the  majority  of  cases  in  adjusting  this  car- 
buretor the  tendency  is  to  give  too  rich  a  mix- 
ture. In  adjusting  the  carburetor  both  at  low, 
intermediate  and  high  speeds,  cut  down  the  gaso- 
line until  the  motor  begins  to  backfire,  and  then 
increase  the  supply  of  fuel,  a  little  at  a  time, 
until  the  motor  hits  evenly  on  all  the  cylinders. 
Do  not  increase  the  supply  of  gasoline  by  turn- 
ing the  needle  valve  adjusting  screw  more  than 
a  notch  at  a  time  in  the  low-speed  adjustment, 
and  do  not  turn  it  any  after  the  motor  hits  regu- 
larly on  all  cylinders.  In  making  the  adjust- 
ments on  the  intermediate  and  high  speed  dials, 
do  not  turn  the  pointers  more  than  one-half  way 
at  a  time  between  the  graduated  divisions  or 
marks  shown  on  the  dials. 

The  Model  E  Schebler  carburetor,  Fig.  80,  is 
a  single  jet  raised  needle  type  of  carburetor, 
automatic  in  action.  The  air  valve  controls  the 
lift  of  the  needle  and  automatically  proportions 
the  amount  of  gasoline  and  air  at  all  speeds. 

The  Model  R  carburetor  is  designed  with  an 
adjustment  for  low  speed;  as  the  speed  of  the 
motor  increases  the  air  valve  opens,  raising  the 
gasoline  needle,  thus  automatically  increasing  the 
amount  of  fuel.  The  carburetor  has  but  two  ad- 
justments— ^the  low  speed  needle  adjustment, 
which  is  made  by  turning  the  air  valve  cap  and 


188  The  Automobile  Handbook 

an  adjustment  on  the  air  valve  spring  for  chang- 
ing its  tension. 

This  carburetor  has  an  eeeentrie  which  acta  on 
the  needle  valve,  intended  to  be  operated  either 
from  the  steering  eolumn  or  from  the  dash,  and 
insures  easy  starting,  aa  by  raising  the  needle 
from  the  seat  an  extremely  rich  mixture  is  fur- 
nished for  starting,  and  for  heating  up  the  motor 
in  cold  weather.  A  choker  in  the  air  bend  is  also 
furnished. 


Fig. 
Schebler  Carburetor,  Model  "R".     A,  Low  Speed 

AdjUBtment.     B,  Starting  Cam  Lever.    C,  Needle 

Valve  Connection.     D,  Starting  Cam.     E,  Needle 

Valve.     F,  High  Speed  Adjustment. 

When  carburetor  is  installed  see  that  lever 
B  is  attached  to  steering  column  control  or  dash 
control,  so  that  when  boss  D  of  lever  B  is  against 
stop  C  the  lever  on  steering  column  control  or 
dash  control  will  register  "Lean"  or  "Air." 


The  Automobile  Handbook  189 

This  is  the  proper  running  position  for  lever  B. 

To  adjust  carburetor  turn  air  valve  cap  A 
3lockwise  or  to  the  right  until  it  stops,  then  turn 
:o  the  left  or  anti-clockwise  one  complete  turn. 

To  start  engine  open  throttle  about  one-eighth 
)r  one-quarter  way.  When  motor  is  started  let 
t  run  till  engine  is  warmed,  then  turn  air  valve 
3ap  A  to  left  or  anti-clockwise  until  engine  hits 
perfectly.  Advance  spark  three-quarters  of  the 
vay  on  quadrant,  if  engine  backfires  on  quick 
icceleration  turn  adjusting  screw  F  up  (which 
ncreases  tension  on  air  valve  spring)  until  ac- 
celeration is  satisfactory. 

Turning  air  valve  cup  A  to  right  or  clockwise 
ifts  needle  E  out  of  nozzle  and  enriches  mix- 
;ure ;  turning  to  left  or  anti-clockwise  lowers  the 
leedle  into  nozzle  and  makes  mixture  lean. 

When  motor  is  cold  or  car  has  been  standing, 
nove  steering  column  or  dash  control  lever  to- 
wards '^Gas"  or  ''Rich''  which  lifts  needle  E 
)ut  of  gasoline  nozzle  and  makes  rich  mixture 
■or  starting.  As  motor  warms  up,  move  control 
ever  gradually  back  towards  ''Air"  or  "Lean'' 
;o  obtain  best  running  conditions  until  motor  has 
•cached  normal  temperature.  When  this  tem- 
)erature  is  reached  control  lever  should  be  at 
'Air"  or  "Lean." 

For  best  economy  and  power,  the  slow  speed 
idjustment  should  be  made  as  lean  as  possible. 

Stromberg  Carburetors  are  made  with  a  noz- 
zle, the  opening  in  which  is  not  adjustable.  This 
lozzle  is  a  separate  part  of  the  carburetor  and 


190  The  Automobile  Handbook 

is  screwed  into  place  from  below.  In  order  to 
adjust  the  gasoline  flow  it  is  necessary  to  remove 
one  nozzle  and  replace  it  with  one  having  a  larg- 
er or  smaller  opening.  The  nozzles  are  marked 
according  to  drill  gauge  sizes  and  the  opening 
becomes  larger  as  the  number  becomes  lower,  that 
is  to  say,  a  number  59  is  larger  than  a  number 
60  and  a  number  58  is  larger  than  a  number  59. 

If,  after  making  low  speed  adjustment  it  is 
found  that  the  air  valve  remains  off  its  seat  or 
that  indications  of  a  rich  mixture  are  still  pres- 
ent, the  nozzle  is  too  large.  If  the  high  speed 
adjustment  has  to  be  screwed  very  tight  it  indi- 
cates that  the  nozzle  is  too  small.  In  changing 
nozzles  do  so  one  size  at  a  time,  that  is,  do  not 
drop  from  number  60  to  a  number  58,  but  use 
a  59  first. 

The  several  types  of  Stromberg  carburetors 
that  have  been  fitted  up  to  the  present  time  are 
described  and  adjustment  instructions  given  in 
the  following  pages. 

Instructions  for  type  A.  Type  A,  Fig.  81,  is 
a  water  jacketed  carburetor.  It  has  its  spray 
nozzle  PN  mounted  in  the  center  of  the  carbure- 
tor with  its  point  3-16  of  an  inch  above  the 
normal  gasoline  level  and  surrounded  by  a 
modified  venturi  tube.  This  nozzle  is  propor- 
tionate in  size  to  the  carburetor  and  never  needs 
attention  or  adjustment. 

After  the  carburetor  is  installed  and  the  gaso- 
line turned  on,  note  the  level  of  the  gasoline  in 
the  float  chamber.    It  should  be  about  one  inch 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


191 


from  the  lower  edge  of  the  glass.  This  level  ia 
adjusted  at  the  factory  and  should  be  right.  In 
case  it  is  obviously  wrong,  remove  the  dust  cap 
D  and  turn  the  adjusting  screw  S  until  the 
proper  level  is  obtained.  If  the  gasoline  is  too 
high,  screw  the  nut  down.  If  gasoline  is  too 
low,  screw  the  nut  up.  Don't  change  unless 
absolutely  : 


Fig. 

Stromberg  Carburetor,  Model  "A" 
To  start  the  motor  close  the  valve  S3  in  the 
hot  air  horn  H.  The  motor  should  then  start 
on  the  second  or  third  turn  of  the  crank.  If 
not,  open  the  valve  and  it  ought  to  start  on 
the  next  turn.  Great  care  should  be  taken  to 
see  that  this  valve  is  instantly  opened  as  the 
motor  starts,  and  is  kept  open. 

Season  adjustments.     Open  and  close  shutter 
SA — open  in  summer  and  closed  in  winter. 
Low  speed  adjustment.    Turn  up  the  adjust- 


192  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ing  nut  A  until  the  spring  SI,  which  is  the  low 
speed  spring,  seats  the  valve  lightly.  See  that 
the  high  speed  spring  above  B  is  free  and  does 
not  come  in  contact  with  the  nut  on  top  of  the 
auxiliary  air  valve  stem.  Start  the  motor  and 
turn  nut  A  up  or  down  until  motor  idles  prop- 
erly.   This  is  the  low  speed  adjustment. 

High  speed  adjustment.  Advance  the  spark 
and  open  the  throttle.  If  the  motor  backfires 
through  the  carburetor,  turn  high  speed  adjust- 
ing nut  B  up  until  backfiring  ceases.  If,  with 
this  adjustment  and  running  at  low  speeds, 
motor  gallops,  or  the  carburetor  loads  up,  the 
mixture  is  too  rich.  The  nut  B  should  then  be 
turned  down  until  galloping  or  loading  ceases. 
This  is  the  high  speed  adjustment.  The  spring 
above  nut  B  should  always  have  at  least  1-32 
inch  clearance  between  it  and  the  nut  at  the  top 
when  the  motor  is  at  rest. 

Instructions  for  type  B.  Type  "B,  Fig.  82, 
is  a  concentric  type  carburetor.  It  has  its  spray 
nozzle  PN  mounted  in  the  center  of  the  car- 
buretor, and  in  the  center  of  the  float  chamber, 
with  its  point  3-16  of  an  inch  above  the  normal 
gasoline  level  and  surrounded  by  a  modified 
venturi  tube. 

The  level  of  the  gasoline  in  the  float  chamber 
should  be  about  15-16  of  an  inch  from  the  lower 
edge  of  the  glass  marked  X.  This  level  is  adjust- 
ed at  the  factory  and  should  be  right.  In  case 
it  is  wrong,  remove  the  dust  cap  D  and  turn 
the  adjusting  screw  S  until  the  proper  level  is 


The  Automobile  Handbook  193 

obtained.  If  the  gasoline  is  too  high  screw  the 
nut  down.  If  the  gaaoline  is  too  low  screw  the 
nut  up.  Don't  change  unless  absolutely  neces- 
sary. 


Fig.  82 
Strombetg  Carburetor,    Model   "B" 

Low  speed  adjustment.  Turn  up  the  adjust- 
ing nut  A  until  the  spring  SI,  which  is  the  low 
speed  spring,  seats  the  valve  lightly.  See  that 
the  high  speed  spring  above  B  is  free  and  does 
not  come  into  contact  with  the  nut  on  top  of 
the  auxiliary  air  valve  stem.  Start  the  motor 
and  turn  nut  A  up  or  down  until  motor  idles 
properly.     This  is  the  low  speed  adjustment. 

High  speed  adjustment.  Advance  the  spark 
and  open  the  throttle.  If  motor  backfires 
through  the  carburetor,  turn  high  speed  adjust- 
ing nut  B  up  until  backfiring  ceases.  If,  with 
this  adjustment  and  running  at  low  speeds 
motor  gallops,  or  the  carburetor  loads  up,  the 


194  The  Auiomohile  Handbook 

mixture  is  too  rich.  The  nut  B  should  then  be 
turned  down  until  galloping  of  loading  up 
ceases.  This  is  high  speed  adjustment.  The 
spring  atove  nut  B  should  always  have  at  least 
1-32  inch  clearance  between  it  and  the  nut  at 
the  top  when  the  motor  is  at  rest. 


Strom  berg  Carburetor,  Afodel  "C" 
Instructions  for  type  C.  Type  C,  Fig.  83, 
is  equipped  with  two  separate  gasoline  spray 
nozzles.  The  first  or  primary  nozzle  PN  is 
mounted  in  the  ■ronturi  tube  V;  this  nozzle 
supplying  sufficient  gasoline  for  all  speeds  up  to 
twenty  or  twenty-five  miles  per  hour.  The  sec- 
ond or  auxiliary  nozzle  is  mounted  just  beneath 
the  secondary  gasoline  needle  valve  ANV  in 
the  auxiliary  air  passage  AA,  and  is  opened  by 
the  lever  L  operating  over  a  fulcrum  F  by  the 
opening  of  the  auxiliary  air  valve  AV. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  193 

Turn  up  the  lower  adjusting  nut  N,  located 
underneath  the  auxiliary  air  valve,  so  that  the 
valve  is  brought  up  to  seat,  then  give  two  full 
turns  to  the  right  as  a  starting  adjustment. 
This  valve  should  be  seated  on  extreme  idle. 
The  spring  SI  is  the  low  speed  spring  and  does 
the  work  up  to  the  opening  of  the  auxiliary 
needle. 

Start  the  motor  and  turn  low  speed  nut  N  up 
or  down  until  the  motor  idles  properly,  then 
advance  the  spark,  open  the  throttle,  and  if  the 
motor  backfires  turn  nut  LN  down  until  it 
ceases.  If  mixture  is  too  rich,  turn  it  up.  Be 
sure  that  nut  LN  and  lever  L  have  some  clear- 
ance on  low  speed. 

The  proper  gasoline  level  is  about  1  inch 
from  the  lower  edge  of  the  glass.  If  more  than 
Ys  inch  either  way  remove  the  dust  cap  and 
adjust  by  screws. 

High  speed  adjustment.  The  high  speed  is 
regulated  by  the  lock  nut  LN  on  top  of  the 
auxiliary  air  valve.  As  it  is  raised  or  lowered 
it  determines  the  point  at  which  the  auxiliary 
needle  valve  ANV  will  be  brought  into  play. 
To  lock  nut  LN  should  be  about  3-32  of  an  inch 
above  the  lever  L  for  normal  adjustment,  but 
this  distance  can  be  increased  or  decreased  to 
suit  the  motor. 

To  find  primary  nozzle  size.  If  the  mixture 
is  too  rich  on  low  speed  after  adjustments  are 
made  according  to  instructions,  take  out  the 
plug  P  and  remove  the  nozzle  PN  with  a  screw- 


196 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


driver.  Insert  smaller  nozzle  (59  is  smaller 
than  58).  If  the  mixture  is  too  lean  on  low 
speed  a  larger  nozzle  should  be  inserted.  If 
the  engine  misses  on  low  speed  it  may  be  caused 
by  an  air  leak,  and  all  the  joints  between  the 
carburetor  and  the  motor  should  be  examined 
before  a  large  nozzle  is  inserted. 


Fig.  84 
Stromberg  Carburetor,  Model  "G" 

Instructions  for  type  G.  Type  G,  Pig.  84, 
is  a  non- water- jacketed  model  furnished  in 
either  single  or  double  jet  according  to  motor 
requirements. 

Air  adjustments.  There  are  only  two  adjust- 
ments that  ever  need  attention,  A,  the  low  speed 
nut,  and  B,  the  high  speed  nut. 

With  the  motor  at  rest,  set  the  high  speed  nut 
B  so  there  is  at  least  1-16  of  an  inch  clearance 
between  the  spring  G  and  the  nut  X  above  it. 
This  is  imperative. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  197 

Set  the  low  speed  nut  A  so  the  air  valve  E  is 
seated  lightly.  Do  not  adjust  carburetor  until 
motor  is  thoroughly  warmed  up.  When  motor 
is  warm  and  with  spark  retarded  adjust  nut 
A  up  or  down  until  motor  runs  smoothly  at  low 
speed.  To  determine  proper  adjustment  open 
the  air  valve  with  finger  by  depressing  X 
slightly.  If,  when  so  doing,  motor  speeds  up 
noticeably  it  indicates  too  rich  a  mixture  and 
A  should  be  turned  down  notch  by  notch.  If, 
on  the  other  hand,  motor  dies  suddenly  when 
slightly  opening  the  air  valve  it  indicates  too 
lean  a  mixture  and  A  should  be  turned  up  until 
this  is  overcome. 

Once  properly  set  for  idling  do  not  change 
this  adjustment  when  making  the  high  speed 
adjustment. 

Advance  the  spark  at  the  normal  position  and 
open  the  throttle  gradually.  If  motor  back- 
fires through  the  carburetor  it  is  positive  in- 
dication of  too  lean  a  mixture  and  nut  B  should 
be  turned  up  notch  by  notch  until  this  is  over- 
come. 

If  mixture  is  too  rich,  as  indicated  by  loading 
of  the  motor  and  heavy  black  smoke  from  the 
exhaust,  turn  B  down  until  motor  operates 
properly.  A  further  test  for  the  correct  mix- 
ture at  high  speed  can  be  made  by  depressing 
the  air  valve  when  the  motor  is  running  at  this 
speed.  If  when  so  doing  motor  speeds  up  it 
indicates  too  rich  a  mixture. 

Turning  either  adjusting  nut  up  means  a 


198  The  Automobile  Handbook 

richer  mixture  or  more  gas.  Down  means  a 
leaner  mixture  or  more  air.  To  get  highest  effi- 
ciency from  this  carburetor,  hot  air  equipment 
should  be  used. 

Double  jet  type.  If,  after  following  the  in- 
structions given  below,  and  with  the  motor  run- 
ning idle  at  low  speed,  the  air  valve  E  remains 
tightly  seated,  it  indicates  too  small  a  primary 
nozzle  C,  and  a  larger  one  should  be  substi- 
tuted. If  with  the  proper  adjustment,  and  after 
stopping  the  engine,  the  air  valve  hangs  off  its 
seat  the  primary  nozzle  is  too  large  and  a 
smaller  one  should  be  used.  To  change  the  pri- 
mary nozzle  remove  the  petcock,  insert  a  narrow 
screwdriver  and  unscrew  the  nozzle. 

If  the  mixture  at  low  speed  is  correct,  but  in 
order  to  get  the  proper  high  speed  adjustment 
it  is  necessary  to  turn  the  nut  B  up  so  far  that 
the  spring  6  is  in  contact  with  X  above  it,  after 
the  engine  has  been  stopped,  it  indicates  that 
the  auxiliary  nozzle  J  is  too  small  and  a  larger 
one  should  be  used.  If  it  is  necessary,  in  order 
to  get  the  proper  high  speed  adjustment,  to  turn 
the  nut  B  down  so  that  there  is  more  than  % 
inch  clearance  between  G  and  X  when  the  en- 
gine is  idle,  it  indicates  too  large  an  auxiliary 
nozzle  and  a  smaller  one  should  be  used. 

Instructions  for  types  H  and  HA.  There  are 
only  two  adjustments  on  this  carburetor.  Fig. 
85.  A,  the  low  speed,  and  B  for  high  speed. 
A  is  a  needle  valve,  seating  in  an  open  nozzle, 
the  opening  of  which  is  usually  two  sizes  larger 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


199 


than  is  ordinarily  necessary,  and  which  per- 
mits an  increase  in  gasoline  flow  to  that  extent 
or  allows  a  complete  closing.  The  high  speed 
adjustment  controls  the  flow  of  gasoline  for 
high  speeds  by  regulating  the  time  at  which  the 
secondary  needle  valve  begins  to  open. 


Fig. 

Stromberg  Carburetor,  Models  "H"  and  "HA" 
To  adjust,  set  the  high  speed  nut  B  so  that 
there  is  at  least  1-32  of  an  inch  clearance  be- 
tween it  and  the  needle  valve  cap  above  it  at 
X  when  the  air  valve  E  is  on  its  seat.  The 
needle  valve  does  not  begin  to  open  until  B 
comes  into  contact  with  X.  Before  starting  the 
engine  be  sure  that  the  rocker  arm  of  the  dash 
adjustment  on  the  carburetor  is  not  in  contact 
with  the  collar  above  it  at  Z  when  the  steering 
post  button  is  all  the  way  down. 

To  start  the  engine,  pull  the  steering  post 
oentrol  to  its  highest  position,  thus  producing  a 


200  The  Automobile  Handbook 

rich  mixture.  In  cold  weather  it  may  also  be 
necessary  to  close  the  air  supply  in  the  hot  air 
horn  by  means  of  a  rod  connected  to  R,  This 
should  be  again  opened  as  soon  as  the  engine 
starts.  As  the  engine  warms  up,  gradually 
lower  the  steering  post  control  and  make  sure 
that  it  is  at  its  lowest  position  before  commenc- 
ing to  adjust  the  carburetor. 


Pig.   86 
Stromberg  Carburetor,    Model   "K" 

The  mixture  at  low  speed  is  controlled  by  the 
needle  valve  A.  If  too  rich  is  indicated,  by  the 
engine  "rolling"  or  "loading,"  turn  A  up  or 
an fi -clockwise.  If  the  mixture  is  not  rich 
enough,  turn  A  down  or  clockwise.  To  adjust 
high  speed,  advance  the  spark  and  open  the 
throttle.  If  the  mixture  is  not  rich  enoi:^h 
at  high  speeds,  turn  B  up  or  anti-cloekwiae, 
and  if  the  mixture  is  too  rich  turn  B  down  or 
clockwise. 

instructions  for  types  K  and  SO.     The  nut 


The  Automobile  Handbook  201 

A  is  the  only  adjustment  on  this  carburetor, 
Fig.  86.  The  stem  of  this  nut  supports  the 
lower  end  of  a  spring  that  controls  the  air 
valve.  This  air  valve  opens  downward  into  the 
air  chamber.  Turning  the  nut  A  clockwise  or 
down  tightens  this  spring,  admitting  less  air 
and  producing  a  richer  mixture.  Turning  A 
in  the  opposite  direction  or  anti-clockwise  pro- 
duces a  leaner  mixture. 

Before  starting  the  engine  turn  A  anti-clock- 
wise until  a  point  is  reached  where,  when  lift- 
ihg  or  pulling  up  on  A,  a  decided  click  is 
heard.  This  is  the  air  valve  coming  in  contact 
with  its  seat.  Then  turn  A  clockwise  or  down 
until  the  click  is  no  longer  obtained.  This  turn- 
ing should  be  a  notch  at  a  time,  and  when  the 
click  can  not  be  heard,  turn  two  more  notches 
in  the  same  direction.  To  start  the  engine, 
raise  the  steering  post  control  to  its  highest 
position.  Gradually  lower  the  control  as  the 
engine  warms  up,  and  make  sure  that  this  con- 
trol is  at  its  lowest  position  before  starting  to 
adjust  the  carburetor.  With  the  engine  warm, 
turn  A  up  or  down,  notch  by  notch,  until  the 
engine  idles  properly.  It  should  not  be  neces- 
sary to  change  the  initial  setting  more  than  a 
few  notches. 

The  high  speed  mixture  can  only  be  affected 
by  changing  the  nozzle.  If  the  high  speed 
mixture  is  too  thin,  so  that  slightly  closing  the 
dash  throttle  valve  R  causes  an  increase  of  en- 
gine speed,  a  larger  nozzle  should  be  used.     If 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


the  high  speed  mixture  is  too  rich  hae  a  smaUer 
nozzle.  The  nozzle  size  furnished  is  baaed  od 
18  inches  of  hot  air  tubing.     If  this  tubing  ia 


Pig.  87 

Zenith  Carburetor,  Model  "O".  B,  Float  Control 
Lever.  CI,  Dust  Cap.  D,  Strainer  Body,  Dl, 
Wire  Gauze.  E,  Gasoline  Channel.  F,  Float. 
G,  Main  Jet.  Gl,  Needle  Valve.  G2,  Float 
Control  Collar,  I,  Gas  Well  Opening.  H,  Sec- 
ondary Nozzle.  J.  Gasoline  Well.  K,  Gasoline 
Passage.  L,  Drain  Plug.  N,  Idling  Adjust- 
ment.  S,  Float  Valve  Opening.  T,  Throttle. 
X,  Choke  Tube. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  203 

more  than  24  inches  long,  one  size  smaller  noz- 
zle can  probably  be  used,  while  if  the  tubing 
is  less  than  10  inches  long  one  size  larger  may 
be  required. 

Zenfth  Carburetor,  Model  0.  This  carbure- 
tor, a  cross-section  of  which  is  shown  in  Fig. 
87,  consists  of  a  float  chamber,  a  carbureting 
chamber,  a  system  of  nozzle  and  air  passages 
and  a  hot  air  sleeve. 

Gasoline  from  the  tank  enters  the  strainer 
body  D,  passes  through  the  wire  gauge  Dl,  and 
enters  the  float  chamber  through  the  valve  seat 
S.  As  soon  as  the  gasoline  reaches  a  predeter- 
mined height  in  the  float  chamber  the  metal 
float  F,  acting  through  the  levers  B  and  collar 
(t2,  closes  the  needle  valve  Gl  on  its  seat.  To 
see  if  there  is  any  gasoline  in  the  carburetor 
remove  dust  cap  CI.  If  the  needle  valve  can  be 
depressed  with  the  finger  there  is  no  gasoline  in 
the  carburetor.  From  the  float  chamber  to  the 
iQotor  gasoline  flows  through  three  different 
channels  in  various  quantities  and  proportions 
giccording  to  the  speed  of  the  motor  and  degree 
i»f  throttle  opening.  With  the  throttle  fully 
i)pen,  most  of  the  gasoline  flows  through  the 
channel  E  and  main  jet  G.  Some  flows  through 
compensator  I,  then  through  K  to  the  cap  jet 
H,  which  surrounds  the  main  jet.  The  main 
jet  and  cap  jet  work  together  and  their  com- 
bination furnishes  the  mixture  required  for 
various  engine  speeds.  At  slow  speed  when  the 
throttle  T  is  nearly  closed  they  give  but  little 


204  The  Automobile  Handbook 

or  no  gasoline,  but,  as  there  is  considerable  suc- 
tion on  the  edge  of  the  butterfly  the  tube  J, 
terminating  in  a  hole  near  the  edge  of  the  but- 
terfly, picks  up  gasoline,  which  is  measured  out 
by  a  small  hole  at  the  top  of  the  priming  plug. 
The  well  over  compensator  I  is  open  to  the  air 
through  two  holes,  one  of  which  is  indicated  be- 
low the  priming  plug  in  the  illustration.  These 
air  openings  are  important. 

The  hot  air  sleeve  is  provided  with  an  air 
strangler  actuated  by  a  lever  and  having 
a  coiled  spring  to  bring  it  back  to  the  open  posi- 
tion. The  flexible  hot  air  tubing  is  attached  to 
this  sleeve  and  feeds  the  carburetor  with  air 
that  has  been  heated  by  contact  with  the  ex- 
haust pipe. 

To  start  the  engine  open  the  throttle  a  little 
way.  There  will  be  a  strong  suction  on  the  tube 
J  which  will  raise  the  gasoline  and  thus  prime 
the  motor.  The  only  adjustment  that  may  be 
us(»ful  is  the  slow  speed  adjustment,  which  is 
obtaiiK'd  by  the  screw  0.  Tightening  this  screw 
rcsti'icts  the  air  entrance  to  the  slow  speed  noz- 
zl(\  priviiig  a  richer  mixture. 

Ft  is  (essential  that  none  of  the  parts  shall  be 
tampered  with,  or  the  size  of  the  jets  altered  by 
reamiiifi:  or  hammering.  These  jets  are  tested 
for  actual  flow  of  gasoline  and  brought  to  a 
standard.  The  nominal  size  of  the  hole  in  hun- 
dredths of  a  millimeter  is  stamped  on  the  jet: 
the  higher  the  number,  the  larger  hole. 

Variables  that  can  be  modified  for  the  initial 


The  Automobile  Handbook  205 

iietting  of  the  carburetor:  First,  the  choke  tube 
X.  This  choke  tube  is  held  in  place  by  set 
sjcrews  and  can  be  removed  after  taking  apart 
the  throttle. 

It  is  really  an  air  nozzle,  of  such  a  stream 
line  shape  that  there  will  be  no  eddies  in  the 
lir  drawn  through  it. 

For  a  4  cylinder  engine  whose  maximum  speed 
s  1,500  R.  P.  M.,  to  obtain  the  choke  number, 
nultiply  the  bore  in  inches  by  five  and  add  one 
X)  the  result. 

For  6  cylinder,  take  a  choke  one  size  larger 
ip  to  4^"  bore  and  two  sizes  larger  above  41/^" 
jore. 

If  the  engine  is  so  built  that  it  can  turn  up 
;o  1,800  R.  P.  M.,  increase  these  results  8% ;  up 
;o  2,000  R.  P.  M.,  increase  16%;  up  to  2,500 
El.  P.  M.,  increase  25%. 

A  choke  tube  too  small  will  cause  a  loss  of 
jharge  at  high  speed,  the  car  will  not  attain  its 
proper  speed. 

A  choke  tube  too  large  will  lead  to  irregularl- 
;ies  when  slowing  down  and  picking  up. 

Second — Main  Jet  C.  The  effect  of  this  jet 
s  most  marked  at  high  speed,  1,400  R.  P.  M. 

Third — Compensating  Jet  I.  This  jet,  which 
jompounds  with  the  main  jet,  exerts  its  maxi- 
num  influence  at  lower  speeds,  600  R.  P.  M., 
tnd  in  picking  up. 

Fourth — Secondary  Well  P.  This  regulates 
he  amount  of  gasoline  used  when  idling. 


206  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Change  Speed  Crearing. 

The  means  provided  for  securing  different 
ratios  of  speed  between  the  engine  and  road 
wheels  of  the  car  is  oftentimes  called  the 
transmission.  Strictly  speaking,  the  transmis- 
sion system  includes  all  the  parts  between  en- 
gine and  wheels;  the  clutch,  universals  and 
roar  axle  parts,  as  well  as  the  mechanism  that 
allows  various  forward  speeds  and  the  reverse. 
The  Change  Speed  Gear  takes  various  forms: 
planetary,  friction,  sliding  gear  and  magnetic, 
each  being  described. 

Change  Speed  Gears.  When  a  gasoline  en- 
gine is  loaded  above  a  certain  limit  it  slows 
down,  and  the  intervals  of  time  between  ex- 
plosions in  each  cylinder  become  so  far  apart 
that  the  enjrine  begins  to  labor,  and  will  finally 
stop  altoK^'ther,  unless  some  means  is  provided 
wherc^by  the  ri^volutions  of  the  engine  may  be 
increased  without  increasing  the  number  of 
revolutions  of  the  driven  shaft,  or  car  axle. 
This  is  a(*(*()nii)lished  by  means  of  the  changre 
spcM'd  ^ear,  of  which  there  are  two  classes,  viz., 
those  in  which  an  infinite  series  of  variations 
in  si)eed  ratio  is  x>ossible,  and  those  in  which 
only  a  comparatively  small  number  of  step-by- 
st(»p  ratios  can  be  utilized.  In  the  first  class 
are  several  styles  of  belt  and  friction  disc 
drives,  while  in  the  second  class  are  the  change 
spoed  gears  proper,  namely,  sliding  gears,  indi- 
vidual clutch  gears,  and  planetary  gears. 

^^^1+  and  friction  drives  constitute  the  only 


Tk£  Automobile  Handbook 


207 


Lctical  forms  of  change  speed  devices  iu 
ieh  variation  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest 
ed  may  be  possible.  In  other  change  speed 
lFs  the  ratio  is  changed  by  passing  from  one 
another  in  a  series  of  definite  steps. 


•'riction  Drive.  One  of  the  moat  simple 
thods  of  changing  the  speed  ratio  between 
motor  and  the  driven  shaft  is  the  friction 
TB,  wbich  in  its  simplest  form  consists  of 
t  discs  at  right  angles  to  each  other,  see  Pig. 


208  The  Automobile  Handbook 

88,  in  which  b  is  the  fly  wheel,  the  exterior  sur- 
face of  which  is  made  a  true  plane,  and  usually 
covered  with  a  special  friction  metal.  A  hori- 
zontal shaft  located  crosswise  of  the  car  body 
carries  a  friction  pulley  c,  in  close  proximity  to 
the  surface  of  the  fly  wheel  b. 

Friction  pulley  c  while  secured  from  turning 
on  shaft,  may  at  the  same  time  be  shifted  along 
at  the  will  of  the  operator,  and  thus  be 
brought  in  contact  with  any  portion  of  the  sur- 
face of  the  flywheel,  from  its  center  to  its  outer 
edge.  The  shaft  also  carries  on  its  outer  ends, 
the  sprocket  wheels  which  drive  chains  e  and 
f,  by  means  of  which  the  power  is  transmitted 
to  the  drivers.  In  this  device  if  the  friction  pul- 
ley c  be  brought  in  contact  with  the  exact  cen- 
ter of  fly  wheel  b,  no  motion  will  be  imparted 
to  c,  but  if  it  be  moved  outward  from  the 
center  of  the  flywheel  it  will  revolve,  the  num- 
ber of  revolutions  it  makes  being  governed  by 
its  distance  from  the  center.  The  maximum 
speed  is  attained  by  friction  pulley  c  when  it  is 
brought  into  contact  with  the  surface  of  the  fly 
wheel  near  the  periphery  of  the  latter.  All  po- 
sitions of  friction  pulley  c  upon  one  side  of  the 
center  of  fly  wheel  b  impart  a  forward  motion 
to  the  car,  and  all  those  on  the  other  side  of  the 
center  impart  a  reverse,  or  backing  motion.  The 
traversing  movement  of  pulley  c  along  its  shaft 
is  usually  produced  by  a  hand  lever  provided 
with  a  notched  quadrant,  whereby  the  pulley  is 
held  at  all  times  in  some  one  of  the  many  posi- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  209 

tions  giving  graduations  of  speed.  The  method 
usually  employed  for  making  and  breaking  con- 
tact between  the  friction  pulley,  and  flywheel 
face,  consists  in  mounting  the  bearings  of  the 
cross,  or  countershaft  in  swinging  brackets.  An- 
other method  is  to  mount  these  bearings  in  ec- 
centric housings,  a  slight  rotation  of  which  in 
the  bearing  brackets  will  cause  the  shaft  and 
with  it  the  pulley  to  approach,  or  recede  from 
the  face  of  flywheel  b.  The  movement  of  the 
shaft  toward,  or  away  from  the  flywheel  is  pro- 
duced by  a  ratchet  retained  pedal  through  a 
reducing  linkage,  which  multiplies  the  foot 
pressure. 

Double  Disk  Friction  Drive.  The  limitation 
of  the  single  disc  and  wheel  to  small  power,  and 
light  loads,  has  led  to  the  development  of  the 
double  disc,  double  wheel  type  of  friction  gear 
illustrated  in  Fig.  89. 

The  engine  shaft  is  extended,  and  carries  two 
disc  fly  wheels  A  and  B,  while  friction  pulleys 
C  and  D  are  each  carried  upon  one  half  of 
the  cross  shaft  which  is  divided  at  its  center. 
Friction  pulleys  C  and  D  are  made  to  slide 
along  the  shafts  H  and  F,  and  are  controlled 
by  a  common  sliding  mechanism,  so  that  they 
always  bear  upon  points  of  discs  A  and  B,  hav^ 
ing  the  same  velocities.  Driving  contact  is  ef- 
fected by  swinging  shafts  H  and  F  in  a  hori- 
zontal plane,  and  it  is  obvious  that  if  one  of  the 
pulleys,  D  for  instance,  is  pressed  against  the 
face  of  A,  it  will  revolve  in  one  direction,  while 


210 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


if  brought  to  bear  on  B  it  will  revolve  in  t 
opposite   direction,   thus   providing   for   a   ^ 
ahead,  or  a  back-up  motion  being  imparted 
either  friction  wheel  at  will,  dependent  up 
whether  it  is  in  contact  with  the  forward,  or  1 


rearward  disc.     It  is  also  evident  that  if  o 

of  the  wheels,  say  D,  is  pressed  against  A,  ai 

^^'^  -^ther  wheel  C  is   also   pressed   agai&st 

■ihafts  will  rotate  in  opposite  directioi 

^  A  of  the  common  angular  velocity  of  t 


The  Automobile  Randboolp  211 

\vheels  and  their  shafts  to  that  of  the  discs  is 
in  proportion  to  their  distance  from  the  center 
of  the  discs.  Sprockets  upon  the  extremities  of 
shaft  H  and  F  drive  the  road  wheels  by  chains, 
and  sometimes  no  differential  is  employed, 
power  being  shut  off  when  turning  comers,  or, 
if  not,  the  inevitable  slip  is  divided  between  the 
frictional  contacts,  and  the  contacts  of  the  tires 
with  the  road.  A  differential  may  be  mounted 
in  either  shaft  H  or  F  at  will. 

Instead  of  the  two  shafts  H  and  F  being  sep- 
arate, they  may  be  joined  to  form  a  continuous 
shaft  and  pivoted  in  the  center.  The  shaft  as 
a  whole  is  capable  of  being  slightly  swung  in  a 
horizontal  plane  about  its  center,  so  as  to  bring 
friction  wheel  D  in  contact  with  one  disc,  and 
friction  wheel  C  in  contact  with  the  other,  thus 
producing  either  the  forward  or  reverse  drive. 
In  this  case  a  single  sprocket  is  carried  by  the 
shaft  and  drives  a  live  rear  axle. 

Friction  Drives — Materials  For.  In  fric- 
tion drives,  one  of  the  surfaces  in  contact  is 
generally  a  metal,  while  the  other  surface  is 
composed  of  some  kind  of  organic  material,  of 
a  slightly  yielding  or  conforming  nature.  Cast 
iron  with  cork  inserts  may  be  used  for  the  me- 
tallic surface,  the^  cork  inserts  serving  to  in- 
crease the  co-efficient  of  friction,  besides  absorb- 
ing any  oil  that  may  accidently  reach  the  sur- 
faces. Aluminum  is  no  doubt  the  best  material 
for  the  metallic  surface,  on  account  of  its  plastic 
nature.  Copper  also  possesses  similar  proper- 
ties. For  the  non-metallic  surface,  leather  is 
good  so  long  as  oil  is  kept  from  accumulating 


212  The  Automobile  Handbook 

on  it,  but  its  co-efficient  drops  rapidly  as  soon 
as  oil  gets  between  the  contact  surfaces. 

Some  kind  of  vegetable  fibre,  made  into  a 
paper  or  mill  board,  seems  to  be  the  preferred 
material,  and  it  is  comomn  to  treat  such  paper 
with  a  tarry  composition,  which  tends  to  raise 
the  co-efficient  of  friction,  as  well  as  to  render 
its  value  more  nearly  constant  under  the  influ- 
ence of  water  and  oil. 

The  non-metallic  friction  face  is  the  one  worn 
out  in  service,  or  at  least  it  wears  the  more  rap- 
idly. This  part  of  the  combination,  though  of 
limited  life,  can  be  renewed  at  a  comparatively 
small  expense,  and  it  fails  only  after  giving  due 
notice.  It  is  the  practice  to  make  the  disc  face 
metallic,  and  the  friction  wheel  rim  non-metal- 
lic. Great  care  should  be  exercised  in  starting 
the  car,  as  at  such  times  the  disc  is  liable  to 
slip  at  speed  upon  the  rim  of  the  friction  wheel 
which  is  then  either  stationary  or  revolving 
very  slowly,  and  flat  spots  may  very  easily  be 
worn  upon  its  surface. 

The  Planetary  Change  Speed  Gear.  This 
system  of  transmitting  the  power  at  various 
speeds  comprises  a  high-speed  connection  for 
the  direct  drive,  and  an  arrangement  of  gears 
that  reduces  or  reverses  the 'motion  when  one 
or  another  drum  on  which  these  gears  or  pin- 
ions are  mounted  is  held  stationary.  Most 
planetary  systems  give  only  two  forwar(f^speeds 
and  the  reverse,  but  in  some  instances  they  are 
made  to  give  three  forward  speeds.    They   are 


The  Automobile  Uar^dbook 


213 


used  chiefly  on  small  automobiles,  or  runabouts ; 
but  when  cheapness  of  construction  is  an  object 
they  are  sometimes  employed  on  touring  cars. 
In  Fig.  90  is  shown  one  form  of  planetary 
system.     The  gear  a  is  tie  only  one  keyed  to 


the  engine  shaft  b.  The  gears  c,  d  and  e  all 
mesh  with  the  gear  a,  and  are  made  long  enough 
to  est<Bd  beyond  a  and  mesh  with  the  gears 
f,  g  and  h  in  pairs.  The  last  three  gears  in 
turn  extend  beyond  the  gears  c,  d  B,r<<^  e,  and 


214  The  Automobile  Handbook 

mesh  with  the  gear  i,  which  is  keyed  to  a  sleeve 
connected  to  the  drum  j.  The  gears  c,  d,  e,  f, 
g  and  h  turn  on  pins  fastened  to  the  drum  k, 
but  only  the  gears  c,  d  and  e  mesh  with  a,  and 
only  f,  g  and  h  mesh  with  the  gear  i  which 
turns  loosely  on  the  shaft  b.  The  internal  gear 
1  meshes  only  with  the  gears  c,  d  and  e,  and 
is  rigidly  connected,  to  the  sprocket  m  that 
drives  the  automobile.  The  cover  n  is  attached 
to  the  face  of  the  drum  k  by  means  of  screws, 
thus  forming  an  oil  reservoir  thai  keeps  the 
gears  well  lubricated  when  the  automobile  is 
running.  There  are  separate  brake  bands 
around  the  drums  j  and  k,  and  a  friction  disc 
keyed  to  the  shaft  just  outside  of  the  drum  j. 

When  the  friction  disc  is  pressed  against  the 
drum  j,  the  gear  is  held  so  that  it  must  turn 
with  the  shaft;  consequently,  the  entire  me- 
chanism is  locked  together  and  the  sprocket  m 
turns  at  its  highest  forward  speed.  li  now  the 
friction  disc  is  released  and  the  brake  band 
around  the  drum  j  is  applied  so  as  to  hold  it 
from  turning,  then  the  gear  a  turns  the  gears 
c,  d  and  e,  causing  them  to  turn  the  gears  f, 
g  and  h;  but,  as  the  gear  i  is  held  stationary 
with  the  drum  j,  the  gears  f,  g  and  h,  and  also 
the  drum  k,  to  which  they  are  attached,  must 
revolve  around  the  gear  i  in  the  same  direction 
as  the  shaft  turns,  but  more  slowly.  The  gears 
c,  d  and  e  turn  on  pins  that  are  fastened  to  the 
drum  k;  consequently,  they  revolve  with  it  as 
they  turn  on  their  axes  and  thus  cause  the  in- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


temai  gear  1  and  the  sprocket  m  to  turn  in  the 
same  direction  as  the  shaft.  This  gives  the  slow 
forward  speed. 


"When  the  drum  j  is  released,  and  the  drum  k 
is  held  by  a  brake  band,  the  gears  c,  d  and  e 
are  caused  to  turn  on  their  pins,  and  conse- 
quently drive  the  internal  gear  I  in  a  direction 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


opposite  to  that  of  the  engine  shaft,  driving  1 
autonioliile  backwards.  "When  the  brake  bai 
and  friction  disc  are  all  free  from  the  drui 
tlie  gears  turn  idly,  and  if  the  engine  is  rmrni: 
no  motion  is  transmitted  to  the  sprocket  a 
the  automobile  stands  still. 

A  form  of  change  speed  gearing  that  is 
nse  on  a  large  majority  of  cars  is  that  kno 
as   tlic   sliding   gear.     All  sliding   gear   tra 


The  Automobile  Hlmdbook  217 

missions  consist  of  two  principal  shafts  lying 
parallel  to  each  other  and  placed  one  above  the 
other  or  side  by  side.     Each  shaft  carries  a 

series  of  gears,  those  on  one  shaft  being  per- 
manently fastened  against  lengthwise  move- 
ment, while  those  on  the  other  shaft  are  capable 
of  being  moved  along  the  shaft  while  turning 
with  it.    This  latter  set  of  gears  is  built  with 

either  a  square  or  key-waved  hub  and  the  shaft 
on  which  the  set  slides  is  made  square  or  with 

spline  keys  to  correspond.     The  gears  on  the 

other  shaft  are  made  of  such  sizes  that  when 

the  sliding  members  are  moved  they  come  into 

mesh  with  the  gears  on  the  other  shaft  so  that 

when  together  they  form  pairs,  that  is  to  say, 

when  a  gear  on  one  shaft  is  in  mesh  with  one 

on  the  other  shaft  it  is  impossible  to  cause 

any  other  gears  to  mesh  at  the  same  time. 

The  gears  are  graduated  in  size  so  that  the 
several  pairs  or  combinations  that  may  be 
formed  vary  in  ratio,  and  in  this  way  it  is  pos- 
sible to  obtain  different  degrees  of  speed  reduc- 
tions between  the  two  shafts  and  therefore 
between  the  engine  and  road  wheels. 

In  forms  of  construction  that  use  the  two 
shafts  exactly  as  described  in  the  previous  para- 
graphs, and  in  which  one  shaft  is  connected 
through  the  clutch  to  the  engine  and  the  other 
one  through  the  drive  parts  to  the  rear  wheels, 
the  series  of  sliding  gears  is  made  with  all  of 
the  gears  fastened  together  so  that  there  can  be 
no  relative  motion  between  them,  and  in  this 


218  The  Automobile  Handbook 


Selective  Sliding  Cliange  Speed  Gears 


The  AutomobUe  Handbook  219 

case  the  entire  sliding  member  is  moved  bodily 
along  the  shaft.  This  particular  form  is  known 
as  a  progressive  sliding  gear.  It  is  necessary, 
with  this  type  of  construction,  to  pass  from  one 
ratio  to  another  in  the  same  order  for  each 
operation,  and  if  it  is  desired  to  pass  from  the 
extreme  low  ratio  to  the  highest  ratio,  it  is  nec- 


■     Fig.    94 

Selective    Sliding    Gear    With    Disc    Clutch    In    a 
Unit  Power  Plant.     A.  Clutch  Shaft.     B,  Clutch 
Shaft  Gear,     C,  Countershaft  Gear.     D,  Second 
Speed  Gear.     E,  Low  Speed  Countershaft  Gear. 
P,  Second  Speed  Sliding  Gear.     G,  Low  and  Re- 
verse Sliding  Gear.     H,  Sliding  Gear  Shaft. 
essary  to  pass  through  all  intermediate  ratios. 
The    progressive    form    of    transmission    is   no 
longer  fitted  to  cars  and  an  extended  descrip- 
tion is  not  considered  necessary. 


220  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  type  of  sliding  gear  transmission  that 
is  most  popular  is  called  the  selective  sliding 
gear  and  with  the  exception  of  some  important 
modifications  is  similar  in  operation  and  con- 
struction to  the  progressive  type  already  de- 
scribed. Selective  sliding  gears  are  shown  in 
Figs.  92  to  97  and  the  following  description 
will  apply  more  or  less  to  all  of  them  although 
the  form  shown  in  Fig.  94  is  specifically  cov- 
ered. It  will  be  noted  that  the  clutch  is  at  the 
left  hand  end  of  the  illustration,  and  through 
this  clutch  the  power  of  the  engine  is  trans- 
mitted to  the  shaft  marked  A.  At  the  right 
hand  end  of  the  shaft  A  is  carried  a  gear  B, 
and  this  gear  is  in  mesh  with  the  gear  C  on 
the  lower  shaft  of  the  transmission,  it  will  there- 
fore be  seen  that  whenever  the  clutch  causes 
shaft  A  to  revolve,  gears  B  and  C  will  also  turn, 
and  inasmuch  as  C  is  fastened  solidly  to  the 
lower  shaft  of  the  transmission,  this  lower  shaft 
will  turn  whenever  the  engine  is  running  and 
the  clutch  engaged.  The  upper  shaft  in  the 
transmission  marked  H  is  not  made  in  one  piece 
with  shaft  A,  but  its  left  hand  end  is  made  of 
a  diameter  suflSciently  small  to  fit  into  a  recess 
in  the  shaft  A  and  in  the  hub  of  the  gear  B. 
This  construction  simply  provides  a  bearing  for 
one  end  of  the  shaft  H  so  that  it  may  revolve 
independently  of  shaft  A.  Shaft  H  is  formed 
with  four  longitudinal  keys  integral,  and  on 
this  shaft  are  mounted  the  gears  F  and  G  with 
their   hubs   formed   with   keyways   to    engage 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


221 


the  ke7B  on  shaft  H.  This  constimction  allows 
the  gears  F  and  G  to  be  moved  lengthwise  while 
turning  with  the  shaft.  Qeata  D  and  F  are 
made  of  such  diameter  that  when  P  is  moved 
to  the  right  it  meshes  with  D  and  gears  E  and 
G  will  mesh  when  G  is  moved  to  the  left.  The 
right  hand  end  of  shaft  H  is  fastened  to  the 
universal  joint  that  leads  to  the  rear  axle. 


Ftg.  95 
Sliding  Gear  Set  for  Separate  Mounting 
The  operation  is  as  follows:  "With  the  en- 
gine runnine  and  the  clutch  engaged,  power 
is  transmitted  through  gears  B  and  C  to  the 
lower  shaft  of  the  transmission,  and  iniismueh 
as  gear  C  is  larger  than  B,  the  lower  shaft 
will  run  at  a  lower  rate  of  speed  than  the  clutch 
shaft.  If  now  the  gear  G  be  caused  to  mesh 
with  E,  the  shaft  H  will  be  revolved  but  at  a 
still  lower  rate  of  speed  than  the  bottom  shaft. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


and  inaBmuch  as  H  drives  the  rear  axle  it  will 
be  seen  that  the  meehanistn  has  given  a  positive 
drive  at  a  speed  much  below  that  of  the  engioe. 


Fig.  96 

Heavy  Duty  Selective  Sliding  Gear  for  Rear  Axle 

Mounting 

Wht'ii  it  is  desired  to  secure  a  higher  speed 

of  the  car  relative  to  that  of  the  engine,  gears 


The  Automobile  Handbook  223 

G  and  E  are  withdrawn  from  each  other  and 
gear  F  is  moved  into  engagement  with  D.  It 
will  be  noted  that  gears  D  and  F  are  approxi- 
mately the  same  size,  and  the  upper  shaft  will 
then  turn  at  a  speed  very  nearly  the  same  as 
that  of  the  bottom  shaft,  but  still  less  than 
the  speed  of  the  engine.  This  position  is  known 
as  second  speed  or  intermediate  speed. 

When  it  is  desired  to  secure  a  still  higher 

ration  of  speed  it  is  done  by  moving  gears  D  and 
F  out  of  engagement  and  then  moving  F  to 

the  left.    Gear  F  carries  one-half  of  a  jaw,  or 

toothed  clutch,  and  gear  B  carries  the  other 

half  of  this  same  clutch.   It  will  thus  be  seen 

that  when  F  and  B  are  together  the  clutch  will 

be  engaged  and  shaft  A  will  drive  shaft  H  at 

the  same  speed  at  which  A  is  revolving.    This 

provides  high  speed  or  direct  drive. 

When  it  is  desired  to  reverse  the  direction  of 
motion  of  the  car,  gear  G  is  moved  into  engage- 
ment with  an  idler  gear  that  is  not  shown,  and 
this  idler  gear  is  driven  through  another  one 
on  the  bottom  shaft  of  the  transmission.  The 
idler  gear  being  interposed  between  the  upper 
and  lower  transmission  shaft  gears  causes  the 

upper  shaft  to  reverse  its  previous  direction 
of  motion. 

Certain  variations  of  selective  sliding  gears 
are  in  use,  one  of  which  is  shown  in  Fig. 
97.  In  this  particular  form  the  spur  gears 
remain  in  mesh  at  all  times,  but  neither  set 
is  keyed  to  its  shaft.     Between  the  gears  are 


224  The  AutoTnoiile  Handbook 

mounted  jaw  dutches,  and  these  clutches  are 
keyed  to  the  shaft.  In  place  of  movii^  th| 
gears  into  or  out  of  engagement,  the  jaw 
clutches  are  moved,  and  depending  on  which 
clutch  is  moved  and  which  way  it  is  moved, 


Fig,    97 

Individual    Jaw    Clutch    Sliding    Gear    Set 
the  several  sets  of  gears  may  be   successive^ 
used,  providing  speed  ratios  similar  to  those 
in  other  forms  of  selective  sliding  gears. 

Magnetic  Truumiasion. 
The  difference  between  a  car  with  magnetic 
transmission  and  other  gasoline  cars  lies  only 
in  this  tranamission.  There  is  no  change  in  the 
engine  or  its  operation.  There  is  no  change 
in  the  driving  parts,  save  as  regards  their  con- 
nection with  the  power.  The  parts  omitted 
are  the  clutch  and  the  clutch  pedal,  gears  and 
shifting  lever,  flywheel,  starter  and  lighting  sya- 
tern,  this  one  transmission  unit  taking  the  place 
of  all.  There  is  no  mechanical  connection  be- 
tween the  engine  and  the  driving  shaft.     This 


The  AutomolUe  Handbook  22b 


226  The  Automobile  Handbook 

control  also  embodies  an  electric  brake,  and  an 
automatic  electric  sprag,  which  absolutely  pre- 
vents the  car  backing  down  hill,  even  though 
the  motor  is  stalled.  Should  the  engine  be 
stalled  on  a  hill,  the  car  can  be  held  without 
use  of  the  brakes  by  simply  moving  this  con- 
trol lever  into  high  speed  position. 

The  power  is  never  disconnected  from  the 
driving  wheels  of  the  car  from  the  moment  of 
starting  up  to  the  highest  speed. 

The  electrical  apparatus  consists  of  two  units, 
Fig.  98,  contained  in  a  one-piece  construc- 
tion :  the  one  nearest  to  the  engine  has  its  mag- 
netic field  pieces  keyed  to  the  engine  crank- 
shaft and  acts  as  a  flywheel  to  the  engine.  Its 
armature  is  mounted  on  the  propeller  or  drive 
shaft,  hence  it  will  be  seen  that  both  these  parts 
can  revolve.  The  second  unit  of  the  apparatus 
has  stationary  magnetic  fields  and  its  armature, 
as  in  the  first  ease,  is  mounted  on  the  propeller 
shaft.  The  first  unit  becomes  in  turn  a 
dynamo,  magnetic  clutch  and  a  motor,  the  sec- 
ond unit,  a  motor  and  d>Tiamo. 

A  eontroller,  with  resistance  coils  internally 
contained,  is  bolted  to  the  chassis  frame  for- 
ward of  the  dash,  alongside  of  the  engine,  and 
is  operated  by  a  lever  on  the  steering  wheel 
through  a  small  gearing  at  the  bottom  end  of 
the  steering  column. 

By  placing  the  control  lever  in  the  position 
''cranking,"  a  battery  is  connected  through 
the  first  unit,  which  in  this  instance  becomes 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


227 


a  motor,  and  once  the  engine  is  cranked,  the 
lever  can  be  placed  in  the  ** neutral"  position 
until  ready  to  start  the  car. 

On  moving  the  control  lever  to  the  first  po- 
sition, turning  effort  is  produced  by  weak- 
ening, with  a  shunt  resistance,  the  field  of 
the  first  unit,  which  becomes  a  dynamo,  and 

B  C 

cm 


Fig.    99 
Principle  of  the  Magnetic  Transmission:      A,  En- 
gine Cranl^shaft.     B,  Revolving  Field.     C,  Sta- 
tionary  Field.      D,   Front   Armature.      E,    Rear 
Armature.     F,  Propellor  Shaft. 

the  current  generated,  due  to  the  electrical 
slip  between  the  magnetic  fields  and  the  arma- 
ture, is  fed  to  the  second  unit,  which,  acting 
as  a  motor,  produces  a  powerful  starting  torque. 
At  the  same  time  the  pull  of  the  magnetic  fields 
of  the  first  unit  acts  as  a  magnetic  drag  on  its 
armature,  and  thus  two  forces  assist  in  rotat- 
ing the  propeller  shaft,  which,  through  the  bevel 
drive,  communicates  power  to  the  road  wheels. 

The  second  position  of  the  control  lever  cuts 
the  resistance  out  of  the  first  unit  (dynamo) 
field  and  shunts  through  a  high  resistance  some 
of  the  field  current  in  the  second  unit  (motor), 
thereby  increasing  the  speed  of  the  car. 


228  The  Automobile  Handbook 

In  the  third,  fourth  and  fifth  control  lever 
positions,  the  second  unit  (motor)  field  is  suc- 
cessively weakened  until  in  the  sixth  control 
lever  position,  the  field  current  is  almost  en- 
tirely shunted,  so  that  previous  to  placing  the 
control  lever  in  the  seventh  (and  last)  position, 
the  second  unit  is  practically  of  itself  not  do- 
ing any  work,  apart  from  the  fact  that  there 
is  very  little  slippage  between  the  first  unit 
(dynamo)  field  and  armature,  resulting  in  gen- 
erating of  but  small  current.  In  other  words, 
the  drive  shaft  is  being  carried  around  almost 
entirely  by  the  magnetic  drag  of  the  first  unit's 
field  on  its  armature.  It  will  hence  be  seen  that 
there  is  an  electrical  balance  in  effect  through- 
out the  entire  sequence  of  operations. 

On  placing  the  control  lever  in  the  seventh 
position,  the  first  unit  becomes  what  may  be 
termed  a  ** magnetic  clutch,'*  the  armature 
and  field  are  closed-circuited,  and  an  almost 
negligible  slip  only  is  required  to  generate  suf- 
ficient current  to  enable  the  field  to  drag  its 
armature  around  with  it. 

The  second  unit  with  the  control  lever  in 
high  speed  position  becomes  a  generator,  and 
when  the  car  is  running,  charges  the  lighting 
and  starting  battery  with  a  predetermined 
charge. 

From  this  point  on  the  entire  control  is 
brought  a])out  by  accelerating  or  decelerating 
the  gas  engine,  the  armature  of  the  first  unit 
follows  its  magnetic  field  promptly,  generating 


The  Automobile  Handbook  229 

of  its  own  accord  whenever  necessary  more  cur- 
rent and  hence  getting  more  magnetic  drag  to 
bring  it  up  to  the  same  speed  as  the  magnetic 
fields.  Thus,  so  long  as  the  control  lever 
is  in  any  position  other  than  neutral  on  ac- 
celerating, an  increase  of  speed  is  obtained, 
but  on  decelerating,  the  car  coasts  just  like  an 
ordinary  car  with  the  clutch  released.  This  is 
brought  about  by  the  armature  of  the  first  unit 
traveling  faster  than  the  fields,  and  thus  not 
generating  any  current  until  such  a  time  as 
the  car  comes  back  to  the  speed,  where  the  arm- 
ature of  the  first  unit  is  traveling  at  the  same 
or  slightly  lower  speed  than  the  field  pieces 
or  the  engine,  when  again  current  is  generated 
and  the  drive  taken  up  as  before. 

Should  excessive  grades  be  encountered  where 
extra  torque  may  be  desired,  the  placing  of  the 
control  lever  in  a  lower  position  will  give  the 
desired  result,  and  naturally  by  increasing  the 
engine  speed  with  the  control  lever  in  a  lower 
position  than  high,  more  current  will  be  gener- 
ated, due  to  the  extra  electrical  slip,  and  thus 
give  added  torque. 

At  neutral  position  the  maximum  electrical 
braking  effect  is  obtained.  Here  the  first  unit  is 
open-circuited  and  the  second  unit  closed-cir- 
cuited and  the  magnetic  braking  reaction  brakes 
the  car  to  10  miles  per  hour,  below  which  speed 
the  armature  does  not  revolve  within  the  motor 
field  fast  enough  to  create  the  braking  effect, 
thus  automatically  holding  the  car  on  a  grade  at 
about  the  above  speed. 


230  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Chassis.  The  word  chassis  since  its  adoption 
into  the  English  language,  is  taken  to  mean  the 
frame,  springs,*  wheels,  transmission  and  in  fact 
all  mechanism  except  the  automobile  body.  In 
its  original  French  it  does  not  mean  all  this,  but 
is  strictly  restricted  to  mean  the  frame,  or  the 
frame  and  springs. 

Chauffeur.  This  term  when  literally  trans- 
lated means  the  stoker  or  fireman  of  a  boiler. 
The  use  of  the  word  has  been  extended  to  the 
operator  of  a  motor  car,  but  does  not  usually  re- 
fer to  the  paid  driver,  who  is  generally  known 
as  the  mechanician  or  mechanic. 

Clutch.  Clutches  may  be  classified  as  fol- 
lows :  a,  cone ;  b,  disc ;  c,  band ;  cone  clutches 
may,  in  turn,  be  subdivided  as  follows :  a,  metal 
to  metal;  b,  leather  faced;  c,  cork  insert;  while 
disc  type  may  be  classed  as:  a,  leather  faced; 
b,  multiple  disc;  c,  cork  insert;  and  band 
clutches  may  be  put  down  as  of  the  a,  constrict- 
ing, b,  spiral,  or  c,  expanding  types.  Clutches, 
of  whatever  type  or  class,  have  but  one  prime 
object,  i.e.,  to  enable  the  operator  to  start  and 
stop  the  car  without  having  to  stop  the  motor. 
There  is  a  secondary  consideration,  if  we  take 
into  account  the  fact  that  it  is  convenient  to  be 
able  to  slip  the  clutch,  on  occasion.  Some  types 
lend  themselves  to  this  secondary  purpose  with 
greater  facility  than  others,  and  it  is  also  true 
that  some  clutches  are  most  easy  of  application, 
all  things  considered. 

As  clutches  are  at  present  designed,  the  ques- 
tion   is,    can    slipping  be  tolerated?   or,   can 


The  Automobile  Handbook  231 

clutches  be  slipped  to  control  the  speed  of  a 
car?  It  is  believed  not.  The  average  clutch 
has  very  little  of  the  character  of  the  average 
braking  system,  and  when  it  comes  to  brakes 
they  do  not  last  so  long  that  it  is  desirable  to 
wear  them  out  sooner  than  they  will  naturally 
need  replacement.  In  other  words,  it  seems 
quite  out  of  the  question  to  consider  the 
clutches  of  today  as  suitable  for  the  double  pur- 
pose of  clutching  -and  speed  controlling,  by  way 
of  slipping  the  clutch  at  will.  It  is  not  uncom- 
mon to  hear  autoists  talking  of  the  multiple 
disc  clutch  as  one  that  undergoes  little  or  no 
deterioration  as  a  result  of  continuous  slipping 
under  variations  of  load. 

They  seem  to  think  that  the  large  surface  ex- 
posed, especially  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the 
discs  are  submerged  in  oil,  will  prevent  damage 
if  the  clutch  is  caused  to  slip.  They  forget  that 
the  discs  are  thin,  and  also  that  they  are  loose 
on  the  splines,  keys,  or  feathers  that  prevent 
the  discs  from  rotating.  No  member  keyed  onto 
a  shaft  will  stand  much  abuse.  This  is  espfs- 
cially  so,  if  the  member  has  but  little  bearing 
surface  on  the  key.  Even  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  such  members  working  in  unison  will 
fail  to  stand  up  under  the  work  because  the 
joint  is  not  firm.  Lost  motion  is  bound  to  re- 
sult in  more  lost  motion  in  a  short  while,  and 
in  a  multiple  disc  clutch  the  discs  soon  fray  out 
and  interfere  with  each  other,  and  with  the 
clutching  functions,  within  a  space  of  time  so 


232 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


short  as  to  surprise  even  those  most  experi- 
enced in  the  use  of  this  type. 

Band  Clutch.  A  band,  or  friction  ring, 
clutch,  is  shown  in  Fig.  100.  The  wheel  which 
is  connected  to  one  of  the  shafts  is  shown  at  a, 
and  the  band,  or  ring  which  is  connected  to  the 
other  shaft  and  which  is  made  in  two  parts,  is 
shown  at  b  and  c.    At  d  and  e  are  cufved  arms 


Fig.  100 

pivoted  at  f  and  g.  The  links  h  and  i  connect 
these  curved  arms  to  the  parts  b  and  c  of  the 
band.  By  means  of  a  fork,  and  tapered  sleeve, 
not  showTi,  the  ends  j  and  k  of  the  arms  are 
forced  apart  when  the  clutch  is  brought  into 
use.  This  throws  toward  the  shaft  the  ends  1 
and  m  of  the  levers  d  and  e,  and  brings  the  two 
parts  b  and  c  of  the  clutch  ring  in  contact  with 


The  Automobile  Handbook  233 

tile  friction  or  driving  surface  of  the  wheel  a, 
which  is  thereby  forced  to  turn  with  the  driving 
shaft.  The  band  clutch  has  had  many  expo- 
nents in  the  motor  car  art,  but  is  open  to  cen- 
trifugal effects  to  such  an  extent  that  it  re- 
quires considerable  ingenuity  to  overcome  trou- 
bles arising  therefrom.  At  high  engine  speeds 
the  operating  levers  have  been  so  arranged  as 
to  lower  tb'j  normal  expanding  presstire. 


Fig.  101 
Cone  Clutch.  There  are  a  number  of  modi- 
fications of  this  type  of  clutch,  the  general  prin- 
ciples of  which  are  illustrated  in  Pig.  101,  The 
flywheel  a  is  secured  to  the  shaft  b  by  means 
of  bolts  through  the  web  of  the  wheel.  At  c  is 
an  expansion  ring  into  which  the  friction  cone 
d  fits.  The  helical  spring  e  holds  the  cone 
against  the  expansion  ring  with  the  required 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


amount  of  force.  At  f  is  a  ball  bearing^  that 
takes  the  end  thrust  when  the  cone  is  pulled 
away  from  the  expansion  ring. 

The  arms  g  are  coupled  to  the  shaft  that  turns 
with  the  friction  cone.  Ordinarily  the  two  parts 
of  the  clutch  are  held  together  by  the  pressure 
of  the  spring,  and  when  it  is  desired  to  discon- 
nect the  cone,  a  foot  pedal  is  forced  down  so 
as  to  act  on  a  fork  and  sleeve  and  pull  the  cone 


Fig.  102 
away  from  the  expansion  ring.  When  the  pedal 
is  released,  spring  e  forces  the  clutch  into  action 
again. 

Fig.  102  is  a  sectional  view  of  a  form  of 
leather  faced  cone  clutch  in  which  the  male  part 
of  the  cone  moves  axially  toward  the  engine. 
Fig.  103  shows  a  clutch  constructed  on  the 
same  principle,  but  in  place  of  having  one 
strong  sctuatinc  spring  surrounding  the  axis, 
it  has  three  weaker  spiral  springs  near  the  pe- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  235 

riphery  of  the  male  member.  Fig.  104  is  a  verti- 
cal section  of  a  clutch  suitable  for  a  50  H.  P. 
ear.  The  cone  angle  is  13  degrees,  and  the  di- 
ameter 16  inches,  with  a  total  frictional  area  of 
128  square  inches,  the  axial  pressure  resulting 
from  the  spring  being  375  lbs.  A  small  spiral 
plunger  spring  A  under  the  leather  face  B 
causes  it  to  pick  up  the  load  mpre  quietly  and 
smoothly.  Fig.  105  illustrates  an  early  form 
of  clutch  intended  for  a  ear  of  about  20  H.  P. 
One  form  of  toggle  joint  is  also  shown  at  A. 


Fig.  103 

This  clutch  also  has  multi-springs  for  creating 
the  proper  frictional  contact,  and  a  peculiar 
form  of  spring  application  simple  in  the  ex- 
treme.' A  multi-cone  clutch  is  shown  in  section 
in  Fig.  106.  Its  action  is  as  follows:  When  the 
clutch  engages,  the  smallest  cone  seizes  first, 
commences  to  revolve  and  subjects  the  spiral 
springs  between  the  next  two  clutches  to  tor- 
sional movement,  which  draws  them  together 
and  brings  the  two  outer  eones  into  action ;  the 
idea  being  that  the  small  clutch  shall  slip,  tend 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


to  accelerate  the  car,  that  the  medium  clutch 
shall  behave  id  a  similar  manner  and  that  when 
the  large  clutch  comes  into  play  the  three  com- 
bined pick  up  the  load  and  move  the  car. 
The  so-called  inverted  cone  is  well  illustrated 


in  fifriiro  107.  The  reversed  cone  is  contained 
in  an  extension  A,  bnilt  onto  the  flywheel  B. 
When  the  cone?  is  diseiiKaKed  it  moves  toward 
the  enpine,  exactly  revcrsiiiK  the  aetion  of  the 
foregoing  type.     This  clutch  has  its  adherents. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  237 

and  it  is  a  good  one,  diifering  very  slightly,  if 
properly  assembled,  in  its  efficiency  from  the 
direct-acting  cone.  It  may  be  kept  free  from 
dirt  and  oil  much  more  perfectly  than  in  the 
other  form. 

Disk  Clutch.  A  clutch  of  the  multiple-disc 
type  IS  show  n  in  Fig  108  A  two  arm  spider 
a,  kejed  U>  the  shaft  b,  serves  to  hold  m  place  a 
number  of  metal  discs  c,  between  which  are 
other  metal  plates  d  held  on  the  sleeve  e  by 
means  of  a  key  f     The  sleeve  e  is  in  turn  keyed 


Fig.  loa 

to  the  shaft  g,  and  to  it  is  screwed  a  ring  h 
having  three  pairs  of  lugs  carrying  three  levers  i, 
with  rollers  j  at  their  outer  ends,  as  shown.  The 
other  ends  of  the  three  levers  press  against  the 
plate  k  when  the  clutch  is  engaged  by  an  in- 
ward movement  of  the  collar  1,  plate  k  being 
free  to  move  along  the  key  f.  Discs  c  are  free 
to  move  longitudinally  on  the  arms  of  the  spi- 
der a,  and  also  on  sleeve  e,  around  which  they 
rotate  when  the  clutch  is  out  of  engagement; 
but  the  arms  of  the  spider,  fitting  into  slots  in 
the  discs,  cause  them  to  rotate  with  the  shaft  b. 


238 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  plates  d  are  free  to  move  longitudinally  on 
the  key  f  in  the  sleeve  e ;  and  since  the  sleeve  is 
keyed  to  the  shaft  g,  it  is  evident  that,  when 
in  engagement  with  the  discs  c,  the  plates  d 
must  cause  the  shaft  g  to  turn  with  the  shaft  b. 
The  discs  c  and  plates  d  run  in  an  oil  bath, 


Fig.  107 
obviating  wear  of  the  plates  and  discs.  These 
are  brought  together  forcibly  by  throwing  the 
cone  faced  end  of  the  collitr  1  against  the  rollers 
j,  thereby  causing  the  ends  of  the  three  levers  i 
to  press  the  plates  and  discs  together  with  suf- 
ficient force  to  cause  the  shafts  b  and  g  to  rotate 
as  one  shaft. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


239 


PiVE-PLATE  Clutch.  In  the  matter  of  the  num- 
ber of  plates  in  the  disc  clutch  there  is  no  agree- 
ment between  designers.  Some  use  a  very  large 
number  of  thin  plates,  as  many  as  fifty  or  sixty, 
and  others  use  a  very  small  number,  as  few  as 
six  or  eight ;  in  fact,  it  may  be  said  that  the  sin- 
gle disc  clutch,  which  has  only  two  frictional 


surfaces,  is  the  lower  limit.  One  arrangement 
which  uses  five  plates  is  shown  in  Fig,  108.  The 
diameter  of  the  clutch  is  somewhat  smaller 
than  that  of  the  single  or  three-plate  types,  but 
its  diameter  must  be  quite  large  in  order  to 
transmit  considerable  horse  power. 

Clutches  are  made  with  various  numbers  of 
plates,  from  three  to  more  than  sixty,  depending 
on  the  work  required  and  the  size  and  material 


240  The  Automobile  Handbook 

of  which  the  plates  are  made.  Plate  materials 
include  hardened  steel  for  both  members,  steel 
and  bronze,  steel  with  cork  inserts,  and  steel 
covered  with  some  friction  material  similar  to 
brake  lining. 

Disc  clutches  using  steel  to  steel  are  operated 
in  a  bath  of  oil.  Those  using  bronze  and  steel 
may  or  may  not  operate  in  oil.  As  a  general 
rule,  clutches  that  are  not  enclosed  are  fitted 
with  cork  or  an  asbestos  composition  as  the  fric- 
tion material.  However,  either  of  the  forms  just 
mentioned  operate  satisfactorily  in  an  oil  bath, 
and  it  is,  therefore,  simply  a  question  of  choice 
with  the  designer.  Unenclosed  clutches  are 
called  ** dry-plate  clutches.'* 

Clutch  Troubles.  One  of  the  greatest 
sources  of  trouble  for  the  novice  liei^  .in  the 
clutch.  This  may  be  just  right,  it  may'  be  slip- 
ping, or  it  may  be  what  is  called  fierce.  The  sec- 
ond manifests  itself  in  such  pleasant  situations 
as  climbing  a  hill  when,  with  the  engine  run- 
ning at  its  highest  speed  and  the  proper  gear 
engaged,  the  car  starts  to  run  backward  instead 
of  .forward.  Or  on  the  level,  with  the  engine 
racing  and  the  high  gear  in,  no  speed  results. 

The  last  condition  shows  itself  in  the  sudden 
jumping  forward  of  the  car  when  the  clutch 
has  been  lot  in,  or  it  may  even  be  so  severe  as 
to  shear  off  the  bevel  driving  gear  when  used 
with  studded  non-skid  tires  or  any  form  that 
will  not  slip  easily. 

To  repair  the  first,  look  at  the  leather,  if  this 


The  Automobile  Handbook  241 

is  all  in  good  shape  with  an  apparently  good 
surface,  but  has  lubricating  oil  on  it,  wash  the 
surface  well  with  gasoline.  It  is  not  a  bad  idea 
to  roughen  the  surface  of  the  leather  a  little 
with  a  coarse  file. 

The  harsh  or  fierce  clutch  is  remedied  by  the 
application  of  a  proper  oil  for  this  purpose. 
Castor  oil  is  universally  used  and  a  good  way  is 
to  soak  the  complete  clutch  in  it  over  night. 
This  will  cure  a  case  of  harsh  leather,  but  it 
may  be  that  the  trouble  is  only  a  lack  of  adjust- 
ment of  spring  tension.  Usually  there  is  an  ad- 
justing nut  and  a  locking  nut.  Back  off  the 
latter  and  make  an  adjustment.  Then  tighten 
the  lock  nut  to  retain  it.  For  the  beginner,  it 
is  better  to  adjust  a  little  at  a  time  and  make 
several  successive  jobs  of  it  than  to  try  to  do 
it  all  at  once.  But  always  adjust  it  as  soon  as 
possible. 

The  leather  of  the  ordinary  cone  clutch  by 
degrees  acquires  a  sort  of  coarse  surface  glaze, 
which  may  or  may  not  represent  actual  charr- 
ing of  the  leather,  but  is  certainly  due  to  the 
slipping  it  experiences.  A  leather  with  its  sur- 
face so  glazed  has  a  very  harsh  action,  since  the 
surface  is  so  hard  that  it  grips  all  at  once.  The 
glazed  surface  will  not  absorb  oil  to  any  appre- 
ciable extent,  a  fact  which  is  easily  seen  on  at- 
tempting to  dent  the  surface  with  a  thumb  nail 
after  giving  the  oil  time  to  soak  in.  In  this  con- 
dition the  best  thing  to  do  is  to  put  on  a  new 
leather.     Unless  the  angle  of  the  cone  is  too 


242  The  Automobile  Handbook 

abrupt,  a  piece  of  ordinary  belting  will  serve 
the  purpose,  provided  it  is  of  uniform  thickness 
throughout.  The  belting  may  be  soaked  in 
neatsfoot  oil  over  night  before  applying,  and 
this  will  render  it  pliable  enough  to  take  the 
shape  of  the  cone.  If  the  old  leather  is  retained 
in  service  it  becomes  almost  essential  to  squirt 
a  little  oil  on  it  every  day  or  two,  as  otherwise 
it  may  take  hold  with  such  a  jerk  as  to  endan- 
ger the  transmissiou  shafts.  If  the  cone  re- 
leases by  drawing  backward,  there  are  proba- 
bly openings  in  the  web  of  the  cone  through 
which  the  spout  of  a  squirt  can  may  enter.  Oil 
squirted  into  the  flywheel  interior  will  then 
quickly  find  its  way  to  the  clutch  surface. 
Sooner  or  later,  however,  the  leather  will  be- 
come glazed  so  smooth  that  it  will  not  hold  at 
all,  and  it  is  then  liable  to  slip  and  bum  up 
without  warning.  There  are  few  things  more 
exasperating  than  a  clutch  which  cannot  be 
made  to. hold  properly,  particularly  when  the 
car  happens  to  be  covering  a  bad  stretch  on 
which  every  available  bit  of  power  that  can  be 
transmitted  to  the  rear  wheels  is  necessary.  The 
use  of  emergency  remedies  under  such  circum- 
stances most  often  leads  to  the  necessity  for 
clutch  repairs,  as  road  dirt  and  grit  are  not  the 
best  things  possible  for  the  leather  facing,  and 
frequently  no  other  friction  producing  com- 
pound is  to  be  had  at  the  time. 

Renewal  of  Leather  on  Cone  Clutch.     Re- 
move the  old  leather  by  cutting  off  the  rivets 


The  Automobile  Handbook  243 

on  the  underside,  and  driving  the  rivets  through 
to  the  outside.  Keep  the  old  leather  and  use 
it  as  a  pattern  by  which  to  cut  the  new  piece. 
It  will  be  much  better,  however,  to  purchase 
from  the  factory  a  new  leather  of  the. proper 
width  and  thickness.  As  a  new  leather  will 
have  considerable  **give,"  it  must  be  stretched 
tightly  over  the  cone.  First  cut  one  end  of  the 
leather  square  and  fasten  it  to  the  cone  with 
two  rivets.  The  other  end  should  not  be  cut  at 
this  stage  of  the  work,  but  brought  around  to 
meet  the  fastened  end,  and,  after  tightly 
stretching  it  over  the  small  end  of  the  cone, 
fasten  it  with  a  single  rivet.  Then  force  the 
leather  up  onto  the  cone,  drill  out  and  counter- 
sink the  holes  and  rivet  up  securely.  The  only 
knack  in  the  operation  is  to  keep  the  leather 
tight  that  it  may  be  a  snug  fit  on  the  cone.  A 
loose  leather  will,  naturally,  be  a  dead  failure. 
After  the  leather  has  been  forced  into  its  place 
the  uncut  end  should  be  trimmed  to  make  a 
good  joint.  Any  unevenness  may  be  trued  up 
with  a  file.  The  new  leather  will  readily  ab- 
sorb several  applications  of  castor  oil  before  it 
becomes  smooth  and  pliable. 

Care  should  be  taken  that  the  rivet  heads  are 
countersunk  below  the  surface  of  the  leather. 
In  case  they  work  flush,  owing  to  the  wearing 
down  of  the  leather  face,  they  should  be  riv- 
eted. The  ** biting"  or  jerky  action  of  a  cone 
clutch  may  often  be  traced  to  the  rivets  work- 
ing out,  and  this  will  frequently  prevent  the 


244  The  Automobile  Handbook 

clutch  from  being  readily  disengaged.  Rerivet- 
ing  will  prove  an  effective  remedy  in  this  case, 
and  considerable  additional  service  may  be  had 
from  the  leather  before  it  wears  down  to  the 
rivet  heads. 

Combustion  Chamber.  That  part  of  an  ex- 
plosive motor  in  which  the  gases  are  com- 
pressed, and  then  fired,  usually  by  an  electric 
spark,  is  known  as  the  combustion  chamber. 
The  interior  of  the  combustion  chamber  should 
be  as  smooth  as  possible  and  kept  free  from 
soot,  or  hard  carbon  deposits  such  as  are  in- 
duced by  excessive  lubrication,  or  the  use  of  too 
rich  an  explosive  mixture. 

It  will  be  found  to  be  no  small  task  in  design- 
ing an  explosive  motor  with  the  usual  form  of 
valve  construction  and  operation,  to  keep  the 
combustion  chamber  down  to  the  required  di- 
mensions and  at  the  same  time  have  it  free  from 
bends  or  contracted  passages  between  the  com- 
bustion space  and  the  valve  chamber. 

Many  attempts  have  been  made  to  obviate 
this  diflficulty  by  making  the  combustion  cham- 
ber simply  a  straight  extension,  or  continuation 
of  the  cylinder.  In  this  manner  both  the  ad- 
mission and  exhaust-valves  can  be  placed  in  the 
cylinder  itself  and  an  ideal  combustion  space 
secured.  This  plan  has,  however,  certain  dis- 
advantages, from  the  fact  that  it  not  only 
lengthens  the  motor,  but  requires  a  more  com- 
plicated form  of  valve   operating  mechanism 


The  Automobile  Handbdok 


245 


than  if  the  valve  chamber  were  at  the  side  of 
the  cylinder  as  is  usaal. 

Commutators^  Ignition.    The  commutator  of 

the  ignition  system  of  a  multi-cylinder  gaso- 
line motor  has  a  three-fold  use :  To  switch  the 
battery  current  in  and  out  of  the  electrical  cir- 
cuit at  the  proper  time — To  transfer  the  bat- 
tery current  successively  from  one  coil  to  an- 
other— To  vary  the  point  or  time  of  ignition 
of  the  explosive  charge  in  the  motor  cylinder. 


Fig.  109 

The  commutator  shown  in  Figure  109  is  for 
a  four-cylinder  motor  and  is  designed  for  use 
with  induction  coils  without  vibrators,  which 
are  known  as  single- jump  spark  coils.  The 
studs  of  the  screws  A  and  springs  B  are  car- 
ried by  insulated  bushings  located  in  the  back 
of  the  commutator  case.  The  nose  of  the  cam 
C  successively  engages  with  the  springs,  caus- 
ing them  in  turn  to  make  contact  with  their 
respective  screws.  The  battery  and  coil  circuit 
is   completed  through  the  screws   A,    and    a 


246 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ground  to  the  cam  C,  by  means  of  the  springs 
B,  when  in  contact  with  their  respective  screws 
and  the  cam. 

This  device  is  said  to  cause  a  good  spark  at 
the  plug  on  account  of  the  quick  break  between 
the  spring  and  the  screw,  the  electrical  circuit 
being  broken  the  instant  the  spring  leaves  the 
screw  and  before  the  cam  has  allowed  the 
spring  to  resume  its  normal  position.  This  form 
of  commutator  cannot  be  short-circuted  by  oil 


Fig.  110 

or  dirt  getting   between   the    spring   and   the 
screw,  as  the  spring  B  only  forms  a  part  of  the* 
electrical  circuit  when  in  contact  with  both  the 
cam  C  and  the  screw  A. 

Another  form  of  commutator  for  a  four-cyl- 
inder motor  is  illustrated  in  Figure  110,  which 
has  a  rotary  spring  contact-maker  A,  which 
engages  successively  with  the  heads  B  of  the 
screws  C.  The  screws  are  spaced  equidistant 
around  the  fiber  ring  D,  which  also  forms  the 
case  of  the  commutator,  and  are  held  in  position 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


247 


by  the  locknuts  E.  The  spring  contact-maker 
A  is  attached  to  a  hub  F  on  the  cam  shaft  of 
the  motor.  The  ifime  or  point  of  ignition  may 
be  varied  by  moving  the  commutator  case  about 
its  axis  by  means  of  a  rod  attached  to  the 
arm  G. 

Figure  111  shows  two  commutators  of  very 
similar  construction.  The  one  at  the  left  in  the 
drawing  is  for  a  two-cylinder  motor,  and  has 
flat  spring-steel  contact-makers.     The  commu- 


Fig.  Ill 

tator  shown  at  the  right  of  the  drawing  is  for 
a  four-cylinder  motor  and  instead  of  having  flat 
spring  contact-makers,  it  has  either  carbon  or 
copper  contact-brushes,  which  are  held  against 
the  commutator  by  short  coil  springs  in  the  in- 
sulated bushings  located  around  the  periphery 
of  the  commutator  case.  The  commutator  is 
made  of  vulcanized  fiber  with  a  short  brass  or 
or  copper  segment,  which  is  grounded  to  the 
cam  shaft  as  shown. 


248  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  forms  of  commutators  illustrated  in  the 
drawings  may  be  constructed  for  use  with  a 
motor  of  any  number  of  cylinders,  by  increas- 
ing or  decreasing  the  number  of  contact-mak- 
ers located  around  the  commutator. 

Compression.  Normal  compression  in  any 
given  design  of  motor  would  be  the  compres- 
sion (cold)  fixed  by  the  designer  by  the  rela- 
tion of  the  sweep  of  the  piston  to  the  clearance 
space.  Normal  compression  is  not  the  same,  as 
measured  in  pounds  per  square  inch,  in  all  mo- 
tors. The  normal  compression  as  against  loss 
of  compression  would  be  evident  to  a  motorist 
in  the  act  of  cranking.  Were  the  compression 
to  become  abnormal,  as  a  result  of  carbon  de- 
posit, it  would  be  rendered  manifest  by  knock- 
ing on  a  gradient,  or  by  way  of  pre-ignition. 

Limits  op  Compression.  With  gasoline  vapor 
and  air,  the  compression  cannot  be  raised  much 
above  85  pounds  per  square  inch,  but  with 
the  heavier  fuels,  such  as  kerosene,  a  com- 
pression as  high  as  250  pounds  per  square  inch 
has  been  used  economically.  It  has  been  the 
advantages  of  high  compression  that  has  turned 
the  designer  of  automobiles  toward  the  heavier 
fuels;  but,  with  the  increase  of  compression, 
there  are  many  troubles  in  regard  to  loss  of 
power  and  increased  fuel  consumption,  owing 
to  the  wear  of  the  valves,  pistons  and  cylinders, 
which  produces  a  loss  in  compression  and  ex- 
plosive pressure,  and  a  waste  of  fuel  by  leakage. 

Compression,  How  to  Calculate.    The  com- 


The  Automobile  Hcmdbook  249 

pression  in  atmospheres  of  a  motor  may  be  read- 
ily found  by  dividing  the  cubic  contents  of  the 
piston  displacement  by  the  cubic  contents  of 
the  combustion  chamber  in  cubic  inches,  and 
then  adding  one  to  the  result. 

To  ascertain  the  compression  in  atmospheres 
of  a  motor,  when  the  cubic  contents  of  the  com- 
bustion chamber  are  known:  Let  S  be  the 
stroke  of  the  piston  in  inches  and  A  the  area  of 
the  cylinder  in  square  inches.  If  C  be  the  con- 
tents of  the  combustion  chamber  in  cubic  inches 
and  N  the  required  compression  in  atmospheres, 
then 

SXA 

N=:       -fl 

C 

Example:  Find  the  compression  in  atmos- 
pheres of  a  motor  of  4-inch  bore  and  6-inch 
stroke,  whose  combustion  chamber  has  a  capac- 
ity of  18  cubic  inches. 

Answer:  Six  multiplied  by  12.56  equals 
75.36,  which  divided  by  18  gives  4.19,  and  4.19 
plus  1  equals  5.19,  or  the  compression  in  at- 
mospheres required.     One  atmosphere  =  14.75. 

If  it  is  desired  to  ascertain  the  compression 
in  atmospheres  of  a  motor,  the  combustion 
chamber  of  which  is  of  such  shape  that  its  di- 
mensions cannot  be  accurately  calculated,  its 
cubic  contents  may  be  found  by  filling  the  com- 
bustion chamber  with  water,  and  after  remov- 
ing the  water,  ascertaining  its  weight  in  ounces. 


250  The  Automobile  Handbook 

and  then  multiplying  the  result  by  1.72.  This 
gives  the  capacity  of  the  combustion  chamber 
/  in  cubic  inches.  The  compression  of  the  motor 
can  then  be  readily  calculated  from  the  for- 
mula given  herewith. 

Compression,  How  to  Test  for  Leaks  in.  To 
discover  if  there  are  any  leaks  in  the  compres- 
sion of  a  gasoline  motor,  a  small  pressure  gauge 
reading  up  to  75  pounds  should  be  fitted  into 
the  spark  plug  opening  in  the  combustion 
chamber  by  means  of  a  reducing  bushings  When 
turning  the  starting  crank  of  the  motor  slowly 
the  gauge  should  indicate  at  least  60  pounds 
per  square  inch  if  the  compression  is  in  good 
condition. 

To  test  for  leaks,  fill  a  small  oil  can  with 
soapy  water  and  squirt  round  every  joint  where 
there  may  be  a  possible  chance  for  leakage.  Get 
an  assistant  to  turn  the  crank  and  watch  for 
bubbles  at  the  joints. 

If  the  joints  are  all  tight,  next  examine  the 
condition  of  the  admission  and  exhaust-valves 
and  if  either  of  them  needs  regrinding,  it 
should  be  done,  first  with  fine  emery  powder 
and  oil,  then  finished  with  tripoli  and  water. 

When  the  valves  have  been  ground  to  a  per- 
fect fit,  if  the  compression  still  leaks,  the  pis- 
ton rings  should  be  examined,  as  the  trouble 
will  be  found  to  be  with  them. 

Condenser,  Use  of.  A  condenser  is  used  in 
connection  with  a  Rumkorff,  or  jump-spark 
form  of  induction  coil  to  take  up  or  absorb  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


251 


tic  charge  of  electricity,  occasioned  by  the 
f-induction,  or  electrical  reaction  in  the  pri- 
ry  winding  of  the  coil  upon  the  breaking  of 
!  battery  circuit  by  the  interrupter  or  vibra- 
'.     This  static  charge    is    given   tip    or   dis- 


,rged  into  the  primary  winding  of  the  coil 
ng  with  the  battery  current  upon  the  closing 
the  circi.;t,  thus  intensifying  the  action  of 
secondary  winding  of  the  coil  in  a  great  de- 


ty  absorbing  the  static  charge  of  electricity 


252  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  condenser  helps  to  decrease  the  spark  or  arc 
between  the  platinum  contact  points  of  the  in- 
terrupter or  vibrator,  thereby  lengthening  the 
life  of  the  platinum  contacts  by  reducing  the 
erosive  action  of  the  induced  current  spark.  A 
jump-spark  coil  very  often  refuses  to  work 
properly  on  account  of  the  condenser  connec- 
tions having  become  loose. 

The  capacity  of  a  condenser  is  directly  pro- 
portional to  the  area  of  the  tinfoil  sheets  com- 
posing it,  to  the  distance  between  the  sheets, 
and  to  the  inductive  capacity  of  the  dielectric, 
or  separating  medium. 

In  condenser  work  it  is  the  custom  to  cut  the 
tin-foil  sheets  to  some  convenient  rectangular 
shape,  as  shown'in  Fig.  112,  each  one  with  a 
neck  so  that  all  the  +  sheets  can  be  soldered  to- 
gether, on  one  side,  and  all  the  —  sheets  on  the 
other.  The  dielectric  paper  is  cut  without 
necks,  so  that  the  necks  of  the  tin-foil  sheets 
can  be  readily  contacted  with  each  other,  in 
such  a  way,  however,  that  the  -|-  sheets  will 
not  contact  with  the  —  sheets  at  any  point. 
The  paper  is  1  inch  wider  than  the  tin-foil,  so 
that  the  paper  extends  out  for  %  inch  all 
around,  and  beyond  the  tin-foil.  In  the  illus- 
tration the  top  sheet  of  paper  is  removed  to 
show  the  shape  of  the  tin-foil  sheets,  and  it  will 
be  observed  that  all  the  tin-foil  sheets  are  of 
the  same  size,  but  they  are  so  turned  that  the  -|- 
sheets  have  their  necks  all  to  one  side,  while 
the  —  sheets  have  all  their  necks  to  the  other 


The  AvJtomobile  Hcmdbook  253 

side.  Any  number  of  sheets  can  be  used,  with 
the  understanding  that  a  sheet  of  oil-paper  will 
be  placed  between  adjacent  tin-foil  sheets,  so 
that  the  -|-  and  —  sheets  will  not  contact  with 
each  other  at  any  point. 

If  the  paper  is  pierced,  or  if  the  +  aiid  —  tin- 
foil sheets  contact  with  each  other,  the  con- 
denser will  fail  to  perform  its  functions,  and  it 
sometimes  happens  that  the  sheets  are  punc- 
tured in  service,  thus  rendering  the  condenser 
valueless  for  the  intended  purpose  until  the 
puncture  is  repaired,  to  do  which  requires  that 
the  fault  be  found,  and  a  new  sheet  of  paper 
substituted. 

Condensers  are  made  to  fit  into  housings  that 
allow  of  ready  application  on  the  instrument 
with  which  they  are  used.  In  many  cases  it  is 
desirable  to  use  a  cylindrical  form,  while  in 
others  a  rectangular  outline  may  be  permissible. 
Condensers  of  unusual  form  are  often  made  from 
two  long  strips  of  tin  foil,  laid  one  upon  the 
other,  and  separated  by  waxed  paper  or  other 
insulating  material.  The  long  strip  is  then 
rolled  or  folded  into  the  shape  that  is  desired 
and  the  ends  of  the  foil  are  attached  to  the  con- 
denser terminals. 

A  punctured  or  faulty  condenser  will  cause 
the  spark  to  be  very  weak  and  will  also  cause 
quite  violent  arcing  at  the  breaker  contacts,  this 
arcing  burning  and  pitting  the  contacts  until 
they  can  no  longer  carry  the  current.  The  con- 
denser connections  must  always  be  secure. 


254  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Cooling  Systems.  The  cooling  of  a  gasoline, 
or  other  automobile  engine  may  seem  a  simple 
thing  to  the  uninitiated,  but  in  reality  it  is  far 
from  that  and  it  is  a  fact  that  the  deeper  one 
goes  into  it,  the  more  complex  the  situation  be- 
comes. 

The  cooling  of  internal  combustion  engines, 
in  which  category  automobile  engines  come,  is 
divided  into  two  classes,  viz.,  air  cooled  and 
liquid  cooled.  There  are  two  reasons  for  cool- 
ing the  cylinder  walls.  One  is  to  permit  of 
proper  lubrication,  and  the  other  is  to  prevent 
pre-ignition.  But  it  is  advisable  to  allow  the 
cylinder  to  work  at  as  high  a  temperature  as 
the  lubricating  oil  will  stand  without  carboniz- 
ing. The  nearer  the  cylinder  temperature  can 
be  kept  to  350  degrees  the  more  efficient  will 
the  motor  be,  speaking  from  the  thermal  stand- 
point, while  on  the  other  hand,  mechanical  effi- 
ciency may  be  sacrificed  by  too  high  tempera- 
tures. Therefore,  a  balance  between  the  two 
should  be  established,  and  this  course  is  usually 
pursued  in  practice. 

AIR-COOLED    AUTOMOBIT.E   ENGINES.      The    SUC- 

cessful  air  cooling  of  an  engine  cylinder  de- 
pends chiefly  on  an  abundant  flow  of  cool  air 
over  it.  Some  cylinders,  however,  are  arranged 
1o  utilize  a  more  rapid  flow  than  others.  Qen- 
( Tally  spoakiiip:,  the  designer  can  take  his  choice 
between  a  comparatively  plain  cylinder  surface 
over  which  a  current  of  air  can  flow  almost  nn- 
(!hecked,  and  a  cylinder  with  its  heat-radiating 


The  Automobile  Handbook  2W 

surface  greatly  multiplied  by  numerous  pins, 
deep  ribs,  or  other  projections.  These  projec- 
tions increase  greatly  the  radiating  surface,  but 
tend  to  obstruct  the  flow  of  air,  although  they 
aid  in  carrying  away  the  heat.  In  the  latter 
case,  the  velocity  of  the  air  stream  does  not 
need  to  be  high,  provided  it  is  continuous :  while 
in  the  former  case,  a  constant  and  abundant 
supply  of  air  is  essential. 

AiR-CooLiNG  Systems.  In  modern  automobile 
practice  two  systems  of  cooling  are  used — ^the 
air  system  and  the  water  system,  each  of  which 
has  its  adherents.  As  its  name  indicates,  the 
air  cooling  system  allows  the  air  to  strike  the 
exterior  of  the  engine  cylinder,  and  thus  carry 
off  the  excess  of  heat  generated  within  it.  To 
give  the  radiating  surface,  required  for  air 
cooling,  the  exteriors  of  the  cylinders  are  either 
grooved  or  corrugated,  or  the  surface  of  the  cyl- 
inder is  studded  with  metal  pins  or  fins,  so  as  to 
present  as  much  surface  to  the  outside  air  as 
possible.  The  object  in  the  construction  of  all 
air-cooled  motors  is  to  make  their  external  sur- 
faces offer  as  great  a  surface  to  the  air  as  pos- 
sible, and  to  furnish  these  surfaces  with  as  large 
a  supply  as  possible.  A  fan  is  therefore  used, 
driven  by  the  engine  itself,  which  constantly 
directs  a  current  of  fresh,  unheated  air  upon 
the  surface  of  the  cylinder. 

Fig.  113  is  a  sectional  view  of  a  vertical  air- 
cooled  gasoline  motor.     The  radiating  ribs  cast 


260  The  Automobile  Handbook 


AIR-COOLED  MOTOR 

Fig.   113 


The  Automobile  Handbook  257 

around  the  cylinder  and  valve  chamber  are 
plainly  discernible.  This  motor  has  a  detacha- 
ble atmospherically  operated  admission-valve, 
without  packing.  The  valve  and  cage  may  be 
removed  by  simply  removing  two  nuts. 

Modern  forms  of  air  cooling  give  excellent 
satisfaction  regardless  of  the  temperature  of  the 
outside  air.  Individual  air  leads  for  each  cylin- 
der insure  even  cooling. 

Water  Circulation.  There  are  two  systems 
of  water  circulation  in  use  for  cooling  the  cylin- 
ders of  explosive  motors:  The  natural  or  ther- 
mo-siphon  system  and  the  forced  water  circu- 
lation. 

In  natural  or  thermo-siphon  water  circula- 
tion the  fact  that  cold  water  is  heavier  than  hot 
water  is  taken  advantage  of.  A  head  of  water 
is  obtained  by  placing  the  tank  above  the  level 
of  the  cylinder  water-jacket,  and  as  the  water 
in  the  jacket  is  heated  by  the  combustion,  the 
cooler  water  from  the  tank  flows  in,  forcing  the 
heated  water  in  the  tank  to  take  its  place,  and 
in  this  manner  an  automatic  circulation  of  wa- 
ter is  set  up.  The  pipes  must  be  so  arranged 
that  they  offer  every  facility  for  the  free  cir- 
culation of  the  water,  the  cold  water  leaving 
through  a  pipe  at  the  bottom  of  the  tank  and 
entering  at  the  lowest  point  of  the  cylinder, 
while  the  hot  water  leaves  the  top  of  the  cylin- 
der and  enters  the  tank  at  the  side  near  the 
top.  The  water  circulation,  though  automatic, 
is  very  slow,  and   for   this   reason   requires  a 


258 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


[ 


f 


DIAGRAM 


H 


WATER 
TANK 


RADIATOR- 


A 


TANK-RADIATOR 


I 


I 


Fig.  114 

larger  body  of  water  to  produce  as  p^ood  a  cool- 
ing effect  as  a  forced  circulation. 

In  forced  circulation  a  rotary  pump  is  used. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  259 

the  4irection  of  the  flow  being  such  that  the 
water  passes  from  the  pump  to  the  cylinder, 
thence  to  the  radiator,  on  to  the  tank,  and  then 
through  the  pump  again,  thus  completing  its 
circuit.  The  water  in  this  way  gets  the  maxi- 
mum cooling  effect  from  the  radiator,  and  the 
body  of  water  in  the  tank  is  kept  cool.  On  ac- 
count of  the  high  speed  of  a  gasoline  automo- 
bile motor,  and  the  comparatively  small  amount 
of  power  required  to  circulate  the  water,  ro- 
tary pumps  are  much  used.  As  there  are  no 
valves  to  get  out  of  order,  and  high  speed  is 
obtainable,  this  type  of  pump  is  very  suitable 
for  automobile  use. 

In  order  that  a  thermo-syphon  system  may 
operate  successfully,  it  is  absolutely  essential 
that  the  water  passages  around  the  cylinders,  as 
well  as  the  connections  to  the  radiator,  be  of 
large  capacity  and  perfectly  free  from  obstruc- 
tions.   Sharp  bends  should  be  avoided  in  every 

case. 

Overheating — Causes  of.  Overheating  of  the 
engiiie,  when  not  traced  to  poor  circulation,  is 
almost  always  caused  by  too  much  gasoline. 
There  are,  however,  many  possible  causes  of 
over  rich  mixture,  some  of  which  on  the 
face  of  them  might  seem  to  be  causes  of  lean 
mixture  rather  than  rich.  Prominent  among 
these  latter  is  too  low  a  gasoline  level  in  the 
float  chamber  due  to  the  float  valve  closing  too 
soon.  The  immediate  effect  of  this  is  to  make 
the  mixture  too  lean  at  starting,  and  at  low 


260  The  Automobile  Handbook 

speeds.  Starting  is  therefore  diflScult,  and  if 
the  auxiliary  air  valve  begins  to  open  at  the 
usual  motor  speed,  the  mixture  will  again  be 
much  too  lean.  These  symptoms,  however,  un- 
less properly  interpreted  will  probably  lead  the 
owner  to  increase  the  gasoline  supply,  or  to  ad- 
just the  spring  tension  of  the  auxiliary  valve  so 
that  the  latter  will  not  open  until  quite  high 
speed  is  attained.  In  other  words,  he  adjusts 
to  give  a  suitable  mixture  at  one  speed,  and  at 
other  speeds  the  mixture  is  extravagantly  over 
rich.  It  is  well  not  to  be  too  easily  satisfied 
with  the  carbureter's  performance,  as  it  may 
be  found  that  one  fault  such  as  the  above  has 
been  imperfectly  offset  by  another  fault  in  the 
other  direction  instead  of  the  correct  adjust- 
ment being  made  where  the  fault  really  lies.  A 
good  carbureter  will  give  a  sensibly  correct 
mixture  at  all  speeds  within  the  ordinary  range 
of  the  engine.  If  it  fails  to  do  this  the  thing  to 
do  is  to  investigate  until  the  trouble  is  found. 

Insufficient  lubrication  increases  the  friction 
between  the  piston  and  cylinder,  and  so  gener- 
ates extra  heat.  Bad  or  unsuitable  oil  may 
have  the  same  effect. 

Wear  of  the  cams,  tappets  and  valve  stems 
may  be  the  cause  of  overheating,  as  it  would 
not  require  much  loss  from  the  faces  of  the  va- 
rious moving  parts  that  come  in  contact  to 
cause  a  more  or  less  appreciable  difference  in 
the  operation  of  the  valves,  and  as  this  wear 
tends  to  bring  about  a  later  action,  it  may  be 


The  Automobile  Handbook  261 

sufficient  in  the  case  of  the  exhaust  valve  to 
retain  the  burnt  charge  considerably  beyond 
the  time  at  which  it  should  be  allowed  to  es- 
cape. Where  a  motor  runs  at  a  speed  of  800 
revolutions  per  minute  or  over,  it  will  be  evi- 
dent that  it  is  a  matter  of  very  small  fractions 
of  a  second. 

Another  cause  of  overheating  may  be  the  de- 
posit of  a  fine  film  of  scale  on  the  inside  of  the 
circulating  pipes  and  radiator.  This  scale  is  of 
a  mineral  nature,  and,  in  addition  to  being  an 
excellent  nonconductor  of  heat,  it  is  deposited 
in  such  intimate  contact  with  the  metal  that  the 
latter  is  practically  insulated  and  its  radiating 
power  entirely  lost. 

Overheating — Effects  of.  The  immediate 
effect  of  overheating  is  to  burn  up  the  oil  in  the 
cylinders,  or  crank  case.  This  causes  a  smell 
of  burning,  and  an  ordor  of  hot  metal.  There  is 
sometimes  a  slight  smoke  and  the  motor  will 
make  a  knocking  sound.  The  cooling  water  be- 
gins to  steam,  and  the  car  will  gradually  slow 
down  and  finally  stop. 

The  most  serious  cause  of  a  stoppage  on  the 
road  is  overheating,  which  causes  the  lubricat- 
ing oil  to  burn  up  and  the  piston  to  expand  and 
grip  or  seize  in  the  cylinder. 

Overheating — Kemedies  for.  As  soon  as  any 
of  the  above  symptoms  are  noticed: 

The  motor  should  be  stopped  at  once. 

Kerosene  should  be  copiously  injected  into 


262  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  cylinders  and  the  motor  turned  by  hand  to 
free  the  piston-rings. 

The  parts  should  then  be  allowed  to  cool. 

Do  not  pour  cold  water  on  the  cylinder  jack- 
ets, for  fear  of  cracking  them,  but  pour  the  wa- 
ter into  the  tank  so  as  to  warm  the  water  before 
it  reaches  the  cylinder  jackets. 

A  simple  test  in  the  case  of  an  overheated 
motor  is  to  let  a  few  drops  of  water  fall  on  the 
head  of  the  cylinder.  If  it  sizzles  for  a  few  mo- 
ments the  overheating  is  not  bad,  but  if  the 
water  at  once  turns  into  steam,  the  case  is  seri- 
ous. 

Detach  the  spark  plug  or  plugs,  and  turn  the 
starting-crank  slowly.  This  draws  in  cold  air 
and  cools  the  inside  of  the  cylinder  and  the  pis- 
ton. 

After  the  parts  are  cool,  it  will  be  advisable 
to  put  some  oil  in  each  cylinder. 

Dalton's  Laws.  The  relation  between  the 
vapor  tension  and  the  quality  of  vapor  is  ex- 
pressed by  two  laws  known  as  Dalton's  laws, 
as  follows: 

I.  The  pressure,  and  consequently  the  quan- 
tity, of  vapor  that  will  saturate  a  given  space 
are  the  same  for  the  same  temperature,  whether 
the  space  contains  a  gas,  or  is  a  vacuum. 

II.  The  pressure  of  the  mixture  of  a  gas  and 
a  vapor  is  equal  to  the  sum  of  the  pressures  that 
each  Avould  exert  if  it  occupied  the  same  space 
alone. 

If  a  volatile  liquid  is  added  to  a  gas,  and  the 


The  Automdhif,e  Handbook  263 

resulting  mixture  of  gas  and  vapor  is  allowed 
to  expand  so  that  the  pressure  remains  un- 
changed, the  volume  of  the  mixture  will  exceed 
the  original  volume  of  the  gas.  The  ratio  of 
this  new  volume  to  the  original  volume  of  the 
gas  is  equal  to  the  ratio  between  the  combined 
pressure  of  the  gas  and  vapor,  and  the  pressure 
of  the  gas  alone,  had  the  volume  remained  con- 
stant. 

Deposits  in  Water  Jacket.  If  the  cooling 
water  contains  lime  or  alkali,  the  heating  of  the 
water  in  the  jacket  will  cause  these  solid  sub- 
stances to  be  deposited  in  the  cooling  spaces. 
This  will  soon  choke  any  narrow  ports  and  pre- 
vent proper  circulation,  resulting  in  overheat- 
ing, rapid  wearing  of  the  valves,  and  loss  of 
power  and  efficiency.  A  simple  remedy  consists 
of  the  application,  at  regular  intervals,  of  a  di- 
lute solution  of  hydrochloric,  or  muriatic,  acid, 
made  as  follows:  Dilute  one  part  of  muriatic 
acid  with  nineteen  parts  of  water,  and,  after 
draining  the  jacket  completely,  pour  in  enough 
of  the  solution  to  fill  the  entire  cooling  space. 
Allow  the  mixture  to  remain  in  the  jacket  for 
not  more  than  8  to  12  hours,  after  which  wash 
the  cooling  space  thoroughly  by  running  clear 
water  through  it.     If  the  solution  is  permitted 

to  remain  in  the  jacket  longer  than  the  period 

• 

stated,  there  is  danger  that  the  metal  may  be 
damaged  by  the  action  of  the  acid.  The  acid 
will  soften  and  dissolve  the  lime  or  alkali,  and 
the  clean  water  will  remove  it  from  the  jacket. 


264  The  Automobile  Handbook 

It  is  generally  sufficient  to  apply  this  method 
of  removing  the  deposits  once  every  two  weeks. 
If  neglected  too  long,  the  acid  will  not'dissolve 
the  deposit. 

Differential  Gears.  So  long  as  an  automo- 
bile moves  in  a  perfectly  straight  path,  its  two 
driving  wheels  turn  at  equal  speed,  since  they 
must  cover  equal  distances  in  equal  periods  of 
time,  and  it  would  be  perfectly  allowable  that 
the  two  wheels  should  be  locked  together,  as 
there  would  be  no  relative  motion  between 
them.  The  power  could  be  transmitted  to 
either  one,  or  to  both  of  them  with  perfectly 
satisfactory  results  under  these  circumstances. 
When,  however,  a  car  is  to  be  moved  in  a  curved 
path,  as  in  turning  a  corner,  the  driving  wheels 
must  move  at  different  speeds,  since  the  out- 
side one  has  to  cover  a  longer  distance  in  the 
same  time  than  does  the  wheel  which  is  on  the 
inside  of  the  curve.  If  the  two  wheels  were 
locked  together  under  these  conditions,  one  or 
both  of  them  would  be  forced  to  slip,  as  the 
speeds  transmitted  to  them  would  be  equal, 
while  the  distances  they  are  to  travel  are  un- 
equal. This  difficulty  is  successfully  overcome 
by  the  use  of  the  differential  gear  which  trans- 
mits the  power  from  the  change-speed  gear  to 
the  rear  axle,  or  driving  Avheels  of  the  car. 
Differential  gears  consist  of  a  set  of  four  or 
more  gears  attached  to  the  ends  of  two  shafts 
that  meet,  and  are  usually  in  line,  so  that 
both  are  rotated  in  the  same  direction.     But,  if 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


265 


either  meets  with  extra  resistance  it  may  rotate 
more  slowly  than  the  other,  or  may  stop  alto- 
gether.  . 

These  gears  are  used  on  the  driving  axles 
of  automobiles.  The  axle  is  made  in  two  parts, 
with  a  gear  on  the  end  of  each,  where  the  parts 
come  together.  Other  gears  mesh  with  both 
these  axle  gears,  and  are  driven  from  the  engine 
by  a  sprocket  and  chain,  or  by  bevel  gears  and 
shaft.     These  gears  turn  the  axle,  but  permit 


Fig.  115 
Bevel  Gear  Differential  With  Bevel  Driving  Gear 

and  Pinion 

its  two  parts  to  turn  in  respect  to  each  other 

so  as  to  allow  the  automobile  to  go  around  a 

corner  without  causing  the  wheels  to  slide,  or 

skid.    The  rear  wheels  are  each  fixed  to  a  half 

of    the    rear    axle,    and    both    receive    power, 

hence  it  is  necessary  to  allow  one  wheel  to  turn 

at  a  different  speed  from  the  other,  and  this 

is  accomplished    vy   means    of   the    differential 

gear. 


266  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Bevel  Gear  Differential.  Fig.  117  shows  a 
bevel  gear  differential  in  which  A  and  B  are  the 
two  halves  of  the  rear  axle,  which  is  divided  at 
its  center.  One  of  the  driving  wheels  is  carried 
on  A,  and  the  other  one  on  B,  while  the  inner 
ends  of  the  two  half  axles  are  each  fitted  with 
bevel  gear  wheels  C  and  D.  Meshing  with 
these  two  bevel  gears  are  two,  three  or  four 
bevel  gears,  two  of  which  are  shown  at  E  and 
F.  These  pinions  are  supported  on  radial  studs 
which  project  inwardly  from  the  casing.  Upon 
this  casing  are  sprocket  or  bevel  gear  teeth 
which  are  driven  from  the  engine.  The  teeth  of 
each  pinion,  E  and  F  are  at  all  times  in  mesh 
with  the  teeth  of  both  the  bevel  gears  C  and  D 
on  the  axle.  When  the  car  is  in  operation,  the 
chain  or  bevel  drive  revolves  the  case  contain- 
ing the  pinions,  and  the  power  is  transmitted 
through  the  teeth  of  the  pinions  E  and  F  to  the 
teeth  of  the  gears  C  and  D  and  thence  to  the 
axle  and  wheels.  So  long  as  the  vehicle  travels 
in  a  straight  line,  the  pinions  act  as  stationary 
driving  members,  and  have  no  occasion  to  re- 
volve, as  the  two  halves  of  the  axle  and  their 
gears  are  moving  at  equal  speeds.  They  merely 
revolve  with  the  frame.  The  same  teeth  of  the 
bevel  pinions  and  gears  are  in  contact  so  long 
as  a  straight  path  is  traversed.  When,  however, 
the  car  is  steered  in  a  curve  and  different  veloc- 
ities are  required  in  the  drivers  and  the  bevel 
gears  with  which  they  are  connected,  the  pin- 


The  AutOTtiobile  Handbook 


267 


ions  no  longer  act  as  fixed  driving  members, 
but  each  turns  upon  its  stud  and  allows  the 
necessary  relative  motion  between  the  two  bevel 
gears,  and  at  the  same  time  they  continually 
transmit  power  to  the  two  ends  of  the  axle  be- 
cause they  are  always  in  mesh  with  each  other. 
This  compensating  action  may  continue  indefi- 
nitely through  any  amount  of  variation  be- 
tween the  driving  wheel  rotation,  because  one 


tooth  of  the  pinions  comes  into  play  as  fast  as 
the  preceding  one  disengages  with  the  bevel 
wheels  on  the  shaft.  Fig.  116  presents  a  larger 
view  of  the  bevel  gear  differential,  the  two 
gears  on  the  rear  axle  being  shown  as  secured 
to  the  shaft,  and  to  a  sleeve  on  the  shaft.  The 
differential  employed  here  has  three  bevel  pin- 
ions turning  on  radial  studs,  which  are  secured 
to  the  arms  of  a  spider  at  their  inner  end,  A 
differential  bevel  gear,   allhough  most   exten- 


268 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


sively  used,  is  open  to  the  objection  that  the 
bevel  gears  impose  an  end  thrust  upon  the  two 
halves  of  the  mainshaft  on  rear  axle.  This  has 
led  to  the  design  of  differentials  in  which  only 
spur  gears  are  used. 


Fig.  117. 
Bevel  Gear  Differential. 


Bevel  Gear  Differential.  Fig.  118  shows 
a  semi-sectional  view  of  the  bevel  differential 
gear.  The  engine  shaft  carries  a  bevel  gear 
wheel  shown  in  section  at  a.  This  gear  meshes 
with  the  large  bevel  gear  b,  on  the  differential 
gear  case  c.  On  the  inside  of  this  gear  case 
are  carried  a  number  of  small  bevel  gears,  one 
of  which  is  shown  in  section  at  d.  These  are 
free  to  turn  on  the  studs  that  hold  them  to  the 
gear  case.  These  gears  in  turn  mesh  with  bevel 
gears  e  and  f,  on  the  ends  of  the  half  axles. 

The  principle  governing  the  action  of  the 
bevel  gear  differential  is  similar  to  that  of  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  269 

spur  gear  differential.  When  the  two  bevel 
gears  e  and  £  on  the  half  axles  meet  with  the 
same  resistance,  the  small  bevel  gears  d  do  not 
turn  on  their  bearings ;  but  when  the  movement 
of  one  of  the  gears  e  or  f  is  resisted  more  than 


that  of  the  other  it  lags  behind,  causing  the 
small  bevel  gears  d  to  turn  on  their  axles  suffi- 
ciently to  equalize  the  resistance. 

Spur  Gear  Diffekential.     In  the  spur  dif- 
ferential, bevel  gears  are  replaced  by  gears  of 


270 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


the  spur  type,  as  shown  in  Pig,  119,  a  large 
spur  gear  being  secured  to  each  half  axle,  as 
shown  at  A  and  B,  exactly  as  are  the  bevel 
gears.  A  double  set  of  spur  pinions,  E  and  F, 
having  their   bearings   in   the   frame,   revolve 


upon  axes  parallel  with  the  axle.  For  each 
hcvi'l  pinion  is  substituted  a  pair  of  spur  gears, 
E  and  F,  whipli  mesh  with  each  other,  and  at 
the  same  time  each  one  of  them  is  in  mesh  with 
one  of  the  large  gears.     The  combination  of  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  271 

motion  of  each  pinion  of  the  pair  upon  its  gear, 
and  the  motion  of  the  pair  upon  each  other 
produces,  the  same  effect  as  the  use  of  a  bevel 
pinion.  When  the  vehicle  is  roundiog  a  curve, 
one  rear  wheel  moves  less  rapidly,  causing  tho 
pinions  with  which  it  is  geared  to  revolve  upon 
their  bearings,  and  thus  compensate  for  the  in- 
creased resistance. 


Testing  Dipperential  Gears.  The  differen- 
tial gear  should  be  tested  with  a  view  to  locat- 
ing any  wear  or  side  play.  This  may  be  done 
by  jacking  up  the  rear  axle  and  shaking  one 


272  The  Automobile  Handbook 

wheel  forward  and  backward  while  the  other 
is  held  stationary,  and  noting  how  far  the 
wheel  must  be  turned  before  the  movement  is 
taken  up  by  the  flywheel  of  the  engine.  Any 
noticeable  play  will  generally  be  found  either 
in  the  center  pinions  of  studs  of  the  differential 
gear,  in  the  large  and  small  bevel  gears,  in  the 
clutch  sleeve,  or  in  the  universal  joints.  The 
differential  gear^  and  live  axle  of  modern  ears 
seldom  give  trouble  if  kept  properly  lubricated, 
and  the  car's  mileage  should  run  up  into  many 
thousands  before  any  considerable  amount  of 
play  is  evident.  The  joint  pins  of  the  propeller 
shaft  may  become  loose  through  wear,  in  which 
case  a  knocking  noise  in  the  transmission  gear 
will  indicate  the  cause  and  location  of  the 
trouble.  These  pins  may  be  readily  replaced 
with  new  ones  at  small  cost.  If  the  play  is 
found  in  the  bevel  gears,  the  small  gear  should 
be  adjusted  to  mesh  deeper  with  its  larger  mate. 
This  may  be  done  by  means  of  the  adjustable 
locking  ring  or  by  inserting  a  washer  of  the 
jn-oper  thickness.  It  may  be  found,  however, 
that  no  adjustment  is  necessary,  and  a  thor- 
o\\^\\  cleaning  with  gasoline  to  remove  all  oil 
and  grease  will  be  all  that  is  required.  The 
ease  should  then  be  refilled  with  the  quantity 
of  oil  and  grease  recommended  by  the  manu- 
facturers. 

Distributers.  Instead  of  employing  a  sepa- 
rat«^  spark  coil  for  each  cylinder  of  a  multi- 
cylinder  engine,  the  primary  circuits  of  which 


The  Automobile  Handbook  273 

are  made  and  interrupted  in  rotation,  a  device 
known  as  the  distributer  may  be  used,  which 
permits  of  any  number  of  cylinders  being 
sparked  from  a  single  coil.  In  magnetos  de- 
signed for  jump  spark  ignition  of  multi-cylin- 
der engines  the  distributer  forms  part  of  the 
magneto  and  is  rotated  by  it.  The  distributer 
is  nothing  more  than  a  timer  of  secondary  cur- 
rent, and  generally  consists  of  a  cylindrical  shell 
of  insulating  material,  upon  the  inside  of  the 
cylindrical  surface  of  which  equidistant  metal- 
lic segments  in  number  equal  to  the  motor  cyl- 
inders are  inserted.  A  conducting  arm  rotat- 
ing upon  a  shaft  concentric  with  the  insulated 
shell  carries  a  brush,  which  successively  makes 
contact  with  the  segments.  The  arm  is  in  per- 
manent electrical  connection  with  the  free  sec- 
ondary terminal  of  the  coil,  and  each  one  of 
the  segments  is  wired  to  the  spark  plug  of  a 
cylinder. 

In  the  case  of  four-cylinder  motors  the 
moving  arm  is  geared  at  one-half  the  speed  of 
the  motor,  thus  making  contact  for  each  cyl- 
inder once  in  each  two  revolutions  or  complete 


274  The  Automobile  Handbook 

m 

Dynamometer.  A  dynamometer  is  a  form  of 
equalizing  gear  which  is  attached  between  a 
source  of  power  and  a  piece  of  machinery  when 
it  is  desired  to  ascertain  the  power  necessary  to 
operate  the  machinery  with  a  given  rate  of  speed. 

Electricity,  Forms  of.  Electricity  or  electri- 
cal energy  may  be  generated  in  several  ways — 
mechanically,  chemically  and  statically  or  by 
friction.  By  whatever  means  it  is  produced, 
there  are  many  properties  which  are  common 
to  all.  There  are  also  distinctive  properties. 
The  current  supplied  by  the  stor^e  battery 
will  flow  continuously  until  the  battery  is  prac- 
ticq,lly  exhausted,  while  the  current  from  a  dry 
battery  can  only  be  used  intermittently ;  that  is, 
it  must  have  slight  periods  of  rest,  no  matter 
how  short  they  may  be. 

The  dynamo  or  magneto  current  is  primarily 
of  an  alternating  nature,  or  one  which  reverses 
its  direction  of  flow  rapidly.  In  use,  this  alter- 
nating current  is  changed  into  a  direct  or  con- 
tinuous current  flowing  in  one  direction  only, 
by  means  of  a  commutator.  Any  of  the  forms 
described  are  capable  of  igniting  an  explosive 
charge  in  a  motor  cylinder,  but  the  static  or 
frictional  form  of  electricity  is  not  used  for  this 
purpose  on  account  of  its  erratic  nature. 

Electric  Apparatus. — Care  of.  The  following 
instructions  apply  particularly  to  electric  ap- 
paratus in  connection  with  the  operation  of  au- 
tomobiles. Look  over  the  electrical  plant  and 
replace  worn  wires  with  new.     Clean  out  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  275 

timer  with  gasoline  and  lubricate  with  light  oil. 
The  magneto  need  not  be  taken  apart,  as  it  will 
probably  only  need  a  little  surface  cleaning,  a 
few  drops  of  oil,  and  the  amateur  had  better 
not  meddle  with  its  internal  mechanism.  The 
storage  battery  should  be  examined,  and  if  the 
brown  deposit  collects  in  any  quantity  at  the 
bottom,  the  electrolyte  should  be  poured  out 
into  a  glass  bottle,  and  the  battery  washed  out 
with  clear  water  (rain  water  preferred).  Clean 
the  top  of  the  battery  and  make  it  a  point  to 
keep  it  clean  and  free  from  acid.  Clean  the 
terminals  of  any  corrosion,  and  see  that  the  air 
vents  are  not  clogged  up.  If  the  accumulator 
has  been  neglected,  either  in  the  electrolyte 
having  been  allowed  to  get  below  the  proper 
level  or  in  not  giving  it  the  regular  monthly 
** charge,''  it  may  get  a  bad  case  of  sulphating. 
To  get  the  battery  into  its  normal  condition, 
empty  out  the  electrolyte  and  wash  the  case 
thoroughly  with  soft  water.  Pour  in  only 
about  seven-eighths  of  the  acid  solution  and  fill 
up  with  distilled  water  to  cover  the  top  of  the 
plates.  The  battery  should  then  be  charged 
with  a  low  current  until  the  plates  are  restored 
to  their  normal  condition.  If  very  badly  sul- 
phated,  the  white  coating  should  be  washed  off 
with  a  rag,  and  in  case  this  fails  to  remove  it, 
scraping  must  be  resorted  to.  If  the  electro- 
lyte is  not  sufficient  to  cover  the  top  of  the 
plates,  fill  up  with  distilled  water  so  that  the 
liquid  will  just  cover  them.     The  specific  grav- 


276  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ity  of  the  electrolyte  should  not  be  less  than 
1.150,  and,  although  varying  somewhat,  a  hy- 
drometer reading  of  1.250  is  recommended. 
This  is  approximately  1  part  of  sulphuric  acid 
to  4^2  parts  of  water,  which  will  be  found  suf- 
ficiently accurate  if  no  hydrometer  is  at  hand. 
If  the  electrolyte  should  test  lower  than  the 
first  figure,  add  pure  sulphuric  acid  until  the 
1.250  mark  is  reached. 

In  case  the  plates  are  broken  down  or 
** buckled,"  or  if  the  paste  has  dropped  out  of 
the  pockets  of  the  grids,  the  accumulator  should 
be  sent  to  the  manufacturers  for  repair.  In 
some  accumulators  the  liquid  is  not  used,  but  a 
jelly  made  of  silicate  of  sodium  and  dilute 
sulphuric  acid  takes  its  place.  If  your  battery 
is  of  this  type,  it  is  well  to  remember  that  the 
jelly  must  be  kept  moist  on  the  top,  and  as  the 
emulsion  becomes  dry  a  little  water  should  be 
added  to  replace  that  which  is  lost  through 
evaporation. 

The  contact  points  of  the  coil  will  probably 
require  adjusting.  This  is  very  easily  accom- 
plished by  trimming  up  the  points  with  emery 
paper.  Do  not  rub  away  the  metal  unneces- 
sarily, only  removing  enough  to  true  the  points 
so  that  they  make  a  good  contact.  In  adjust- 
ing the  vibrator,  remember  that  a  light  tension 
is  much  better  than  a  stiff  tension.  A  light 
flexible  vibration  with  a  moderately  high- 
pitched  buzzing  note  will  not  only  give  a  better 
spark,  but  will  keep  the  points  in  better  shape. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  277 

A  heavy  tension  will  make  the  coil  less  respon- 
sive and  will  pit  the  contact  points  and  exhaust 
the  battery  more  quickly.  As  a  coil  will  ren- 
der the  most  efficient  service  only  when  the  vi- 
brators are  adjusted  as  nearly  alike  as  possible, 
a  special  ammeter  is  often  used  to  determine 
the  current  consumption  of  each  unit.  The  am- 
meter should  show  a  reading  of  6-10  amperes. 

Electric  Horsepower.  See  Horsepower. 

Electric  Ignition.    See  Ignition. 

Electric  Lighting  and  Starting.  See  Start- 
ing and  Lighting  Systems. 

Electric  Lighting  and  Starting.  See  last  part 
of  this  volume. 

Electromotive  Force,  Definition  of.  The 
cause  of  a  manifestation  of  energy  is  force;  if 
it  be  electric  energy  in  current  form  it  is  called 
electromotive  force.  An  electromotive  force 
or  pressure  of  one  volt  will  force  one  ampere 
through  one  ohm  of  resistance. 


278  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Engines,  Internal  Combustion. 

Engine — Construction  of.  An  automobile 
engine  should  answer  the'  following  require- 
ments in  order  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  mo- 
tor user:  It  must  be  of  light  weight  in  propor- 
tion to  its  horse  power,  so  that  as  large  a  pro- 
portion of  its  power  as  possible  may  be  avail- 
able for  propelling  the  useful  load,  and  but  lit- 
tle demanded  to  move  its  own  weight;  it  must 
be  compact,  in  order  that  it  shall  not  occupy 
too  large  a  proportion  of  the  available  room  of 
the  car ;  it  must  operate  without  undue  noise 
and  vibration;  it  must  be  fully  enclosed  as  a 
protection  against  the  weather,  and  still  it  must 
be  so  located  as  to  be  easily  accessible  for  in- 
spection, oiling  and  repairs;  its  operation  must 
be  automatic  for  considerable  periods  of  time, 
as  regards  cooling  and  lubrication;  it  must  be 
capable  of  running  very  slowly,  or  very  fast  at 
will,  and  of  developing  little,  or  much  power ;  it 
must  be  supported  upon  the  car  in  such  a  man- 
ner that  its  power  may  be  most  readily  and 
efficiently  transmitted  to  the  driving  wheels, 
and  it  must  further  be  carried  upon  springs  so 
that  the  jar  and  shock  from  the  road  shall  not 
be  transmitted  to  it. 


Explosive  Motors.  Explosive  motors  are  of 
three  forms,  known  as  stationary,  marine  and 
automobile.     Their   general   characteristics   are 


The  Automobile  Handbook  279 

implied  by  their  various  designations.  The  sta- 
tionary motor  may  be  either  vertical  or  hori- 
zontal. Marine  motors,  designed  for  applica- 
tion to  boats,  are  almost  invariably  vertical. 
Automobile  motors  are  of  comparatively  recent 
introduction  and  of  great  variety,  the  aim  of 
the  designers  being  to  secure  the  maximum  of 
power  and  minimum  of  weight.  They  also 
may  be  vertical  or  horizontal. 

These  three  forms  may  be  again  divided  into 
two-cycle  and  four-cycle  types.  In  the  former 
an  explosion  occurs  at  every  revolution.  In  the 
latter  there  is  an  explosion  at  every  alternate 
revolution. 

Explosive  motors  are  dependent  for  success- 
ful operation  on  two  things:  First,  a  charge  of 
gas  or  vapor,  mixed  with  sufficient  air  to  pro- 
duce an  explosive  mixture,  and  second,  a 
method  of  firing  the  charge  after  it  has  been 
taken  into  the  combustion  chamber  of  the 
motor. 

When  coal  gas  is  used  the  supply  is  taken 
from  the  main  and  mixed  directly  with  the  nec- 
essary proportion  of  air.  When  gasoline  is 
used,  air  is  mixed  with  it  in  the  correct  pro- 
portion by  carbureting  devices. 

After  the  charge  of  gas  and  air  has  been 
taken  into  the  cylinder  it  is  compressed,  as  will 
be  shown  later,  by  the  action  of  the  motor  itself 
and  then  fired,  usually  by  an  electric  spark 
actuated  by  the  motor,  but  sometimes  by  the 
use  of  a  tube  screwed  into  the  cylinder  and 


280  The  Avtomoiile  Handbook 


The  Auioinobile  Handbook  281 

Internal  Combustion  Automobile  Engine.  1,  Oil 
Valve  Lever.  2,  Oil  Valve  Adjustment.  3,  Oil 
Valve  Lifter.  4,  Oil  Valve  Slot.  5,  Oil  Tank 
Cover.  6,  Water  Jacket.  7,  Oil  Tank.  8,  Oil 
Valve  Spring.  9,  Oil  Valve  Plunger.  10,  Oil.  11, 
Oil  Gauge  Glass.  12,  Oil  Valve.  13,  Oil  Feed 
Window.  14,  Water  Inlet.  15,  Cylinder  Joint. 
16,  Cylinder  Wall.  17,  Crank  Case  Breather. 
18,  Oil  Feed  Pipe.  19,  Connecting  Rod  Bear- 
ing. 20,  Crank  Pin.  21,  Rod  Bearing  Bolt. 
22,  Oil  Scoop.  23,  Crank  Shaft  Timing  Gear. 
24,  Crank  Case.  25,  Oil  Lever  Overflow.  26, 
Crankcase  Oil.  27,  Oil  Drain  Cock.  28,  Cam 
Shaft  Timing  Gear.  29,  Cam  Shaft  Plate.  30, 
Cam  Shaft.  31,  Cam  Shaft  Housing.  32,  Ex- 
haust Outlet.  33,  Gasoline  Pipe  to  Carburetor. 
34,  Carburetor  Priming  Lever.  35,  Carburetor. 
36,  Throttle  Lever  Rod.  37,  Gasoline  Adjust- 
ment. 38,  Valve  Lifter  Rod.  39,  Valve  Stem 
Adjustment.  40,  Fibre  in  Valve  Plunger.  41, 
Cylinder  Space.  42,  Valve  Spring.  43,  Ex- 
haust Pipe.  44,  Connecting  Rod.  45,  Piston. 
46,  Wrist  Pin  Set  Screw.  47,  Oil  Groove  in 
Piston.  48,  Wrist  Pin.  49,  Exhaust  Manifold. 
50,  Manifold  Clamp  Nut.  51,  Intake  Manifold. 
52,  Intake  Passage  in  Cylinder.  53,  Valve  Stem. 
54,  Valve  Head.  55,  Valve  Opening,  Seat  and 
Face.  56,  Piston  Rings.  57,  Combustion  Space. 
58,  Valve  Pocket.  59,  Priming  Cup.  60,  Valve 
Cap.     61,  Water  Outlet  Header.    63,  Valve  Cap. 


282  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  283 

heated  from  the  outside,  the  heat,  of  course, 
being  communicated  to  the  gas.  The  resulting 
explosion  operates  the  motor. 

The  principal  parts  of  a  four-cycle  explosive 
motor  are  the  cylinder,  the  piston,  the  piston 
rings  which  fit  into  grooves  in  the  piston :  two 
sets  of  valves,  one  to  admit  the  charge  and  the 
other  to  permit  it  to  escape  after  the  explosion ; 
a  crank  shaft  and  connecting  rod  which  con- 
nect it  with  the  piston  head,  and  a  flywheel, 
whose  presence  insures  steady  running  of  the 
motor,  and  whose  further  functions  will  be 
better  understood  as  the  description  proceeds. 
In  the  two-cycle  form  of  motor  there  is  really 
but  one  valve,  the  exhaust  and  admission-ports 
being  covered  and  uncovered  by  the  piston  it- 
self. 

All  of  the  parts  referred  to  are  of  the  motor 
proper.  Other  parts,  which  are  separate  from 
the  motor  but  on  which  its  operation  depends, 
are  the  carbureter,  which  supplies  the  charge 
of  gasoline  vapor  and  air  for  a  gasoline  motor, 
or  a  mixing  chamber  for  mixing  air  and  gas  in 
the  case  of  a  gas  motor,  and  the  batteries  and 
other  parts  of  the  electrical  ignition  device. 

A  part  w^hich  has  no  connection  with  the 
actual  running  of  the  motor  but  with  which 
practically  all  are  fitted  is  the  muffler,  whose 
purpose  is  to  deaden  the  sound  of  the  explo- 
sion. 

The  cylinders  of  all  except  very  small  motors 
are   as   a   rule   partly   encased   in   a   chamber 


284  The  Automobile  Handbook 

through  which  water  is  circulated,  the  object 
of  this  heing  to  keep  the  cylinder  cooL 


Pig.  123 
Section  Through  Six  Cylinder  Long  Stroke  Engine 


Offset  CRANKsnAFTS.  The  practice  of  off- 
setting the  crankshaft  in  automobile  motors  is 
rapidly  gaining  converts,  and  there  are  namer>- 
ous  examples   of  offsetting  to  be   seen  at  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  285 

present  time.  In  this  scheme,  it  will  be  remem- 
bered, the  crankshaft  is  not  set  in  the  plane  of 
the  middle  of  the  cylinders.  In  other  words, 
the  crankshaft  is  set  slightly  to  one  side.  The 
exact  amount  of  this  oifset  seems  to  be  variable 


with  different  designers,  but  the  object  is  al- 
ways the  same.  When  the  piston  is  in  the  po- 
sition of  maximum  compression  involving  the 
ignition  and  flame  propagation,  it  is  the  idea 
to  have  the  connecting  rod  in  the  vertical  po- 


286 


The  Automobile  Hcmdbook 


sition.  The  force  of  the  explosion  will  then 
come  on  the  connecting  rod  endwise  and  the 
piston  will  not  be  pressed  unduly  against  the 
cylinder  walls. 

Offset  Crank  Shaft  Engine — Timing  the 
Valves.  To  time  the  valves  of  an  engine  hav- 
ing an  offset  crankshaft,  the  inclination  of  the 
axis  of  the  connecting  rod  must  be  taken  into 
account.  As  Figure  124  shows,  the  connecting 
rod  is  vertical,  and  if  the  shaft  center  were  not 


Fig.  125 
Diagrams  Showing  the  Four  Positions  of  the  Offset 

Crankshaft 

to  one  side,  the  flywheel  would  be  marked  at 
the  exact  center  of  the  upper  face,  namely,  at  C. 
In  the  case  where  the  center  is  set  over,  the  rod, 
when  in  a  vertical  position  as  at  G  is  not  at 
the  end  of  the  stroke.  If  the  flywheel  were 
marked  at  C  it  would  not  indicate  correctly  the 
lower  dead  center.  This  does  not  appear  until 
the  three  centers,  piston  pin,  crank  pin,  and 
crankshaft  are  in  line,  as  shown  by  the  line 
D  E  F.     The  flywheel  should  be  marked  at  this 


The  Automobile  Handbook  287 

point,  and  the  mark  may  be  on  a  vQltieal  line 
through  the  crankshaft  center  or  on  a  diagonal 
as  \  the  line  just  indicated.  In  the  latter  in- 
stance, the  mark  for  the  lower  center  would  be 
at  H. 

Similarly,  the  upper  dead  center,  if  marked, 
would  be  at  a  vertical  point  above  the  shaft 
center  as  C,  but  would  assume  a  different  posi- 
tion, located  on  a  diagonal,  as  at  A,  on  the  cen- 
ter line  ABB. 

Of  course,  in  actual  timing,  the  upper  and 
lower  centers  are  not  used,  as  good  practice  de- 
crees an  overlap  for  the  valve  action,  but  they 
have  been  used  as  an  illustration  in  this  case  be- 
cause their  use  simplifies  the  matter. 

In  Fig.  125,  the  actual  marking  of  a  fly- 
wheel is  shown  for  a  complete  cycle.  In  this  the 
angles  selected  follow  the  best  modern  prac- 
tice, being  as  follows :  Inlet  opens  at  8  degrees 
past  the  upper  center,  and  closes  at  26  past  the 
lower  center,  giving  an  inlet  opening,  total,  of 
198  degrees.  Exhaust  opens  at  46  degrees  be- 
:fore  the  lower  center  and  closes  at  5  past  the 
Tipper.  This  gives  the  whole  angle  for  the  ex- 
laust,  231  degrees  on  the  crankshaft. 

As  shown,  the  markings  are  put  on  the  fly- 
-wheel directly  above  the  center  of  the  crank - 
ishaft,  but  the  offset  is  taken  into  account. 

Pistons.  '-The  piston  used  in  a  gasoline  motor 
csylinder  is  of  the  single-acting  or  trunk  type. 
it  is  made  of  an  iron  casting  which  is  a  good 
^Vsrorking  fit  in  the  cylindigr.    Around  the  upper 


288  The  Automobile  Handbook 

end  of  the  piston  three  or  four  grooves  are  < 
and  in  these  grooves  the  piston-rings  fit.  ' 
rings  are  made  of  east  iron,  and  the  bore  of 
ring  being  eccentric  to  its  outer  diameter,  tl 
is  a  certain  amount  of  spring  in  them,  and 
pressure  is  caused  against  the  cylinder  ^ 
preventing  any  of  the  expanding  gases  pass 
the  piston. 

Piston  Materials.  Until  recently  it  has  \ 
the  universal  practice  to  make  internal  coml 
tion  engine  pistons  of  cast  iron  for  the  rea 
that  this  material  does  not  warp  under  hea 
such  an  extent  as  does  steel.  The  princi 
objection  to  cast  iron  has  been  its  comparatii 
high  weight,  this  weight  being  necessary  bec« 
of  the  lack  of  great  strength  in  the  metal.  1 
a  well  known  fact  that  cast  iron  is  very  brii 
With  the  advent  of  the  modern  high  speed 
gine,  experiments  were  conducted  with  steel 
tons  because  of  the  fact  that  they  allowed 
lighter  construction  with  equal  strength.  S 
pistons  have  done  satisfactory  work,  but  are  "% 
high  in  production  cost,  and  this  has  prever 
their  general  introduction. 

The  necessity  for  reducing  the  weight  of 
reciprocating  parts  has  more  recently  led  to 
introduction  and  use  of  pistons  made  from  all 
of  aluminum,  which,  of  course,  giveg  the  desi 
reduction  in  weight.  The  fit  of  the  piston  in 
cylinder  cannot  be  so  tight  when  cold  as  "V 
cast  iron  or  steel,  but  as  soon  as  the  engine 
run  a  few  moments,  the  expansion  due  to  1 


The  Automobile  Handbook      -      289 

allows  the  piston  to  fit  close  enough  for  all  prac- 
tical purposes.  These  pistons  are  now  fitted  in 
many  makes  and  models  of  stock  cars  and  may 
be  fitted  to  cars  already  in  use. 

Piston  Displacement.  The  piston  displace- 
ment of  a  motor  is  the  volume  swept  out  by  the 
piston,  and  is  equal  to  tne  area  of  the  cylinder 
multiplied  by  the  stroke  of  the  piston.  The 
expression,  cylinder  volume,  is  sometimes  con- 
founded with  the  term  piston  displacement. 
This  is  erroneous,  as  the  cylinder  volume  is 
equal  to  the  piston  displacement,  plus  the  com- 
bustion space  in  the  cylinder  head. 

Pistons,  Length  op.  For  vertical  cylinder 
motors  the  length  of  the  piston  should  not  on 
any  account  be  less  than  its  diameter,  while  a 
length  equal  to  one  and  one-quarter  or  even 
one  and  one-third  diameters  is  better.  For  mo- 
tors with  horizontal  cylinders  the  length  of  the 
piston,  in  any  case,  should  not  be  less  than  one 
and  one-third  diameters,  and  if  possible  one 
and  one-half  diameters  or  over. 

Piston  Position.  There  is  nothing  more  con- 
fusing to  many  motorists — not  only  to  the  be- 
ginner, but  to  many  who  are  proficient  in  the 
general  care  and  operation  of  their  motor  cars 
— than  the  relative  various  positions,  in  a  four- 
cycle engine,  of  the  four  pistons  on  any  of  their 
four  cycles  of  compression,  work,  explosion, 
and  exhaust,  this  being  the  order  of  the  cycles. 

In  the  following  illustrations  the  pistons  are 
shown  as  they  are  usually  placed  in  relation  to 


390  The  Aittomobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  291 


"' 

■ 

■'^ 

W3 

"                             1 

1 

1 

= 

il 

[ 

i 

1 

292  The  Automobile  Handbook 

one  another.  That  is,  pistons  1  and  4  are  at 
the  top  of  their  strokes  when  pistons  2  and  3 
are  at  the  bottom,  and,  obviously,  vice  versa. 
The  figures  over  the  pistons  in  each  diagram 
represent  their  order  of  number,  counting  from 
either  end  of  the  engine. 

In  Fig.  126,  cylinder  I  is  ready  to  descend 
on  its  intake  stroke — ^having  tinished  its  ex- 
haust stroke— and  cylinder  4  is  ready  to  de- 
scend on  its  working  stroke — ^having  finished 
its  compression  stroke.  Cylinders  2  and  3  are 
ready  to  move  on  their  up  strokes.  No.  2  on  its 
compression,  having  finished  its  intake,  and 
No.  3  on  its  exhaust,  having  finished  its  working 
stroke.  The  results  are  that  the  pistons  are 
brought  into  the  positions  shown  in  Fig.  127. 
This  means  that  cylinder  No.  1,  having  com- 
pleted its  intake  downward  stroke,  is  ready  for 
its  compression  up  stroke ;  No.  2  has  moved  up 
on  compression  and  is  ready  to  go  down  on 
work;  No.  3  has  finished  exhausting  and  is 
ready  for  intake  and  No.  4  has  finished  the. 
work  stroke  and  is  ready  to  move  up  on  ex- 
haust. Piston  No.  2,  having  completed  its  work 
stroke,  the  pistons  are  brought  back  to  the  po- 
sitions shown  in  Fig.  126,  but  with  an  altered 
condition  of  the  cycle  represented  by  each,  as 
shown  in  Ficr.  128.  The  pistons  are  now  ready 
to  move  to  the  positions  shown  in  diagram  2, 
with  an  altered  cycle  condition.  Cylinder  No. 
1  moves  down  on  work;  No.  2  up  on  exhaust; 


The  Automohile  Hcmdhook  293 

No.  3  up  on  compression  and  No.  4  down  on  in- 
take, see  Fig.  129. 

When  the  cycle  of  each  has  heen  completed, 
from  the  above  starting  points  of  No.  1,  ex- 
haust; No.  2,  intake;  No.  3,  work,  and  No.  4, 
compression,  the  pistons  are  then  back  not  only 
in  the  position  of  Fig.  126,  but  with  the  same 
condition  of  cycles. 

This  explanation  has  been  in  the  order  of  the 
cylinder  numbers,  but  the  effect  of  each  cycle 
of  each  cylinder  will  be  easier  traced  if  it  be 
remembered  that  the  order  in  which  the  cylin- 
ders work  is :  Cylinder  1,  then  cylinder  3,  then 
cylinder  4,  and  then  cylinder  2,  and  then  repeat 
indefinitely.  From  this  and  the  above  illustra- 
tions it  will  be  easily  understood  that  as  piston 
No.  1  goes  down  on  its  work  stroke,  No.  3 
comes  up  on  compression  stroke,  and  is  then 
ready  for  the  work,  which  is  a  down  stroke 
bringing  No.  4  up  on  compression.  No.  4  then 
goes  down  on  work  and  brings  No.  2  up  on  com- 
pression, then  it  goes  down  on  work  and  brings 
No.  1  up  on  compression  for  the  repeating  of 
cycles.  This  shows  that  each  synchronized  pair, 
1-4  and  2-3,  always  have  one  cycle  between  them 
as  they  move  together,  either  up  or  down. 

Piston-Rings.  To  ensure  proper  compression, 
it  is  absolutely  essential  that  the  piston-rings 
should  be  kept  lubricated;  consequently  when 
the  motor  has  been  idle  for  some  time,  the 
compression  at  the  start  is  often  poor.  Any  fail- 
ure  in  the   lubrication   while   running  will,  of 


294  The  Automobile  Handbook 

course,  have  the  same  effect,  such,  for  example, 
as  in  the  case  of  overheating,  or  when  the  sup- 
ply is  intermittent.  Sometimes  the  piston- 
rings  get  stuck  in  their  grooves  with  burnt  oil, 
through  overheating,  and  the  compression  es- 
capes past  them.  Thorough  cleaning  with  kero- 
sene, and  fresh  lubricating  oil  will  settle  the 
matter.  In  motors  where  the  rings  are  not 
pinned  in  position,  the  slots  may  work  round  so 
as  to  coincide.  In  this  case  they  will  have  to  be 
moved  around.  Sometimes  burnt  oil  may,  ap- 
parently, have  the  opposite  effect  on  piston- 
rings,  for  by  causing  the  piston  to  grip  in  the 
cylinder,  it  will  produce  considerable  resist- 
ance, and  the  operator  might  erroneously  think 
in  consequence  that  his  compression  is  good.  In 
every  case,  after  a  long  run,  a  little  kerosene 
should  be  injected  into  the  cylinders  to  clean 
the  rings. 

Piston-Rings — Method  of  Turning.  A  pat- 
tern should  be  made  from  which  to  cast  a  blank 
cylinder  or  sleeve  with  two  projecting  slotted 
lugs  on  one  end  to  bolt  same  to  face  plate  of 
lathe.  This  blank  should  first  be  turned  off  out- 
side to  the  required  diameter,  makinic:  it,  of 
course,  sufficiently  lar^ror  to  allow  for  the  cut 
in  the  rin^rs,  after  cutting  from  the  blank.  The 
blank  should  then  be  set  over  eccentric  suffi- 
ciently to  allow  the  thick  side  of  the  rings  to  be 
twice  the  thicknc^ss  of  the  thin  side  after  turn- 
ing. The  inside  of  th(»  blank  can  then  be  bored 
out,  and  the  rings  cut  off  to  the  exact  thick- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


295 


ness  required  with  a  good  sharp  cutting  off  tool. 
A  mandrel  or  arbor  should  be  made  with  two 
east  iron  washers  or  collars  to  fit  it,  one  fas- 
tened to  the  mandrel  and  the  other  loose,  with 
lock  nut  on  mandrel  with  which  to  tighten  up 
the  loose  collar.  After  the  rings  have  been 
sawed  open  and  a  piece  cut  out  the  required 
length,  they  can  be  placed  on  a  collar  or  ring 


nssn 


^ssNs^^v^^\v^^^:^^^\^^ 


FOUR-CYCLE  MOTOR  DIAGRAM 


Fig.  130. 

about  1-32  to  3-64  of  an  inch  larger  than  the 
cylinder  bore,  and  slipped  on  to  the  mandrel  one 
at  a  time,  of  course,  with  the  loose  collar  and 
nut  off  the  same.  The  loose  collar  and  nut  can 
then  be  put  on  the  mandrel,  the  ring  clamped 
tightly  between  the  two  collars,  the  mandrel 
put  in  the  lathe  and  the  ring  turned  off,  without 
leaving  any  fins  or  having  to  cut  the  ring  off 
afterward  as  is  done  in  many  cases.  This  is  the 
only  way  in  which  a  perfectly  true  ring  can  be 


296  The  Aiitomohile  Handbook 

Four-Cycle  Motor.  Fig.  130  furnishes  two 
sectional  views  of  a  four-cycle  type  of  motor 
with  some  of  the  parts  removed,  as  in  Fig.  121. 
It  shows  a  cylinder  C,  admission-valve  A,  a 
piston  P,  and  exhaust-valve  E. 

The  left-hand  view  shows  the  piston  P  about 
to  suck  in  a  charge  of  vapor,  by  the  same 
method  as  previously  described,  through  the 
admission-valve  A  into  the  cylinder  C.  The  suc- 
tion continues  until  the  piston  P  reaches  the 
position  shown  in  the  right-hand  view.  Then 
the  piston  returns  until  it  again  arrives  at  the 
position  shown  in  the  left-hand  view,  compress- 
ing the  charge  of  mixture  during  this  operation. 
Just  before  the  piston  arrives  at  the  end  of  its 
travel  in  this  direction,  the  charge  of  vapor, 
now  under  compression,  is  ignited  by  the 
method  previously  explained  and  its  expansion 
forces  the  piston  back  to  the  position  shown  in 
the  right-hand  view.  When  the  piston  has,  for 
the  second  time,  reached  the  position  shown  in 
the  right-hand  drawing,  a  mechanical  device 
opens  the  exhaust-valve.  The  exhaust-valve 
remains  open  until  the  piston  has  again  arrived 
at  the  position  in  the  left-hand  view.  Then  it 
closes,  the  piston  again  commences  to  draw  in 
a  cliarge  of  vapor  and  the  cycle  of  operation 
of  the  motor  is  repeated. 

FoT'R-CvcLE  Motor,  Operation  op.  A  four- 
cycle motor  has  only  one  working  stroke  or  im- 
pulse for  each  two  revolutions.     During  these 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


297 


two  revolutions  which  complete  the  cycle  of 
the  motor,  six  operations  are  performed : 

1.  Admission  of  an  explosive  charge  of  gas, 
or  gasoline  vapor  and  air  to  the  motor-cylinder, 

2..  Compression  of  the  explosive  charge. 

3.  Ignition  of  the  compTessed  charge  by  a 
hot  tube,  or  an  electric  spark. 


Fig.  131 
Four -Cylinder  Engine 

4.  Explosion  or  extremely  sudden  rise  in  the 
pressure  of  the  compressed  charge,  from  the  in- 
crease in  temperature  after  ignition. 

5.  Expansion  of  the  burning  cliarge  during 
the  working  stroke  of  the  motor-piston, 

6.  Exhaust  or  expulsion  of  the  burned  gases 
from  the  motor- cylinder. 


298 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Two-Cycle  Motor.  The  foregoing  outline  of 
the  functions  of  the  parts  of  the  motor  prepares 
us  for  a  description  of  the  two-cycle  form  of 
motor.  This  particular  form  of  motor  draws 
in  a  charge  of  gas  or  vapor,  compresses  it,  fires 
it  and  discharges  the  product  of  combustion  or 
burned  gases  while  the  crank  makes  but  a  sin- 


TZOk 


TWO-CYCLE  MOTOR  DIAGRAM 


Fig.   132 


gle  revolution,  and  while  the  piston  makes  one 
complete  travel  backward  and  forward. 

Fig.  132  shows  two  sectional  views — ^that  is 
to  say,  views  of  the  motor  cut  in  two,  longi- 
tudinally— of  the  principal  parts  of  a  two-cycle 
motor.  Other  parts,  such  as  the  crankshaft. 
connecting  rod  and  flywheel,  are  omitted  to 
avoid  confusion.  C  is  the  crankcase  and  A 
the  admission  valve,  through  which  the  vapor 


The  Automobile  Handbook  299 

passes  to  the  ^  crank  ease.  B  is  the  inlet  pas- 
sage, through  which  it  passes  from  the  crank 
chamber  to  the  cylinder.  P  is  the  piston.  The 
igniter,  which  makes  the  electric  spark  when 
the  lower  point  comes  in  contact  with  the  up- 
per, is  shown  immediately  below  the  cylinder 
cover.  This  causes  the  explosion  of  the  vapor. 
E  is  the  exhaust  port,  through  which  the  burned 
charge  escapes  after  the  piston  has  been  driven 
outward  by  the  explosion  and  has  reached  the 
end  of  its  stroke. 

Let  it  be  supposed  that  the  motor  is  still  and 
the  crank  chamber  C  is  full  of  gas  or  vapor. 
To  start  the  motor  the  piston  is  started  by 
means  of  a  crank  on  the  flywheel  shaft,  and  as 
it  passes  to  the  position  shown  in  the  left-hand 
drawing  it  forces  the  charge  of  vapor  through 
the  port  B  into  the  cylinder.  The  piston  then 
returns  to  the  position  shown  in  the  right-hand 
view,  moving  away  from  the  crank  chamber  C, 
and  in  doing  so  closes  the  port  B  and  the  ex- 
haust opening  E  and  compresses  the  charge  of 
vapor.  The  points  of  the  igniter  come  together, 
a  spark  occurs  and  the  resulting  explosion 
forces  the  piston  outward  again.  When  the  pis- 
ton reaches  a  point  near  the  end  of  the  stroke, 
as  shown  in  the  left-hand  drawing,  it  uncovers 
the  port  E  and  the  burned  charge  passes  out, 
the  new  charge  coming  through  the  port  B  im- 
mediately afterwards. 

The  admission  of  the  new  charge  to  the  crank 
chamber  is  controlled  by  the  action  of  the  pis- 


300  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ton.  As  the  latter  travels  outward  it  has  a 
tendency  to  create  a  vacuum  in  the  crank 
chamber.  This  draws  the  valve  inward  and 
admits  the  charge  of  vapor. 

It  will  be  observed  that  there  is  a  projection 
on  the  head  of  the  piston.  This  is  generally 
known  as  a  baffle-plate.  Its  object  is  to  pre- 
vent the  incoming  charge  from  passing  di- 
rectly across  the  cylinder  and  out  at  the  ex- 
haust port  E,  which,  it  will  be  observed,  is  di- 
rectly opposite  it.  The  baffle-plate  directs  the 
incoming  charge  toward  the  combustion  cham- 
])er  end  of  the  cylinder,  providing  as  nearly  as 
may  be,  a  pure  charge  of  vapor  and  assisting 
in  the  expulsion  of  the  remainder  of  the  burned 
gases  remaining  in  the  cylinder  as  a  result  of 
the  last  explosion. 

Motors — Two  and  Three  Port.  In  the  two- 
port  motor,  as  illustrated  in  Fig.  133,  the  func- 
tions are  as  follows: 

The  first  stroke  of  the  piston  produces  a  vac- 
uum in  the  erankcase  and  the  mixture  rushes 
in  (as  a  conso(iuonce)  through  the  check  valve 
in  the  motor  case.  The  second  stroke  com- 
presses the  mixture,  and  when  the  communicat- 
ing port  is  uncovered  the  mixture  surges  into 
the  cylinder.  The  next  (third)  stroke  com- 
])rosses  the  mixture  entrapped  in  the  cylinder, 
since  the  ports  are  then  covered  by  the  piston, 
and  at  the  proper  instant  the  mixture  is  ignited. 

From  this  point  on  it  is  a  normal  repetition 
of  functions,  and  once  the  motor  gets  under 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


301 


way  it  two  cycles.  The  three-port  motor,  Pig. 
134,  differs  in  that  the  mixture  is  taken  in 
through  a  third  port  uncovered  by  the  piston, 
instead  of  through  a  check  valve  in  the  case, 
and  the  details  in  practice  change  accordingly. 


Fig.  133  Hg.  134 

Two-port  Motor  Three-port    Motor 

Engine,  Gasoline,  Fuel  Consumption  of.  The 
fuel  consumption  of  a  motor  is  always  a  serious 
question,  and  one  of  importance  to  the  pur- 
chaser as  well  as  to  the  manufacturer. 

Ordinarily  about  one  and  two-tenths  pints  of 
gasoline  per  horsepower  hour  under  full  load 
will  cover  the  fuel  consumption.     That  is,  when 


302  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  mixture  is  of  the  proper  explosive  quality 
and  the  water  comes  from  the  jacket  at  a  tem- 
perature of  about  160  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

The  temperature  of  the  water  in  the  jacket 
around  the  cylinder  has  a  great  deal  to  do  with 
the  fuel  consumption. 

If  the  water  is  forced  around  the  cylinder  so 
as  to  keep  it  cold,  the  heat  from  the  combustion 
is  cooled  down  so  quickly  by  radiation  that  the 
expansive  force  of  the  burning  gases  is  mate- 
rially reduced,  and  consequently  less  power  is 
given  up  by  the  motor. 

The  object  of  the  water  is  not  to  keep  the  cyl- 
inder cold,  but  simply  cool  enough  to  prevent 
the  lubricating  oil  from  burning.  The  hotter 
the  cylinder  with  effective  lubrication  the  more 
power  the  motor  will  develop. 

Engine,  Two-Cycle,  Fuel  Consumption  of. 
The  two-cycle  engine  uses  more  fuel  than  the 
four-cycle.  The  greatest  consumption  is  not  so 
much  due  to  the  fact  that  the  two-cycle  motor 
makes  an  explosion  for  every  revolution,  in 
contrast  with  the  missed  stroke  of  the  four- 
cycle, as  it  is  to  the  fact  that  there  is  a  consider- 
able retention  in  the  cylinder  of  the  exhaust 
char<:je,  and  that,  despite  the  deflector,  more  or 
loss  of  the  fresh  charge  escapes  at  the  exhaust. 
The  two-eyc'le  is  also  harder  on  a  battery  owing 
to  11 H*  greater  frefjuc^ney  of  the  demands  upon 
it.  but  with  improved  methods  of  ignition,  even 
dry  batteries  have  been  found  to  give  very  sat- 
isfactory service. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  303 

Enjflite,  Sliding  Sleeve  Type.  The  Knight 
sleeve  valve  engine,  Fig.  135,  is  a  four  cycle 
gasoline  engine  in  which  the  usual  poppett 
valves  have  been  replaced  by  two  concentric 
sleeves  sliding  up  and  down  between  the 
cylinder  walls  and  the  piston.  Certain  slots  in 
these  sleeves  register  with  one  another  at  proper 
intervals,  producing  openings  between  the  com- 
bustion   chamber   and   the    inlet    and    exhaust 


J 

i 

1 

^BSiiilf^ 

^^^V^Lm/ 

Fig.  135 

Kalght   Sliding   Sleeve   Engine 
manifolds  for  the  passage  of  fresh  gas  into  the 
cylinder  and  inirned  gas  from  it. 

It  will  be  noted  that  tbe  two  sleeves  are  inde- 
pendently  operated   by   small   connecting   rods 


104 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


working '  from  a  shaft  made  with  eeeentrics. 
This  eccentric  shaft  is  driven  at  one-half 
crankshaft  speed,  usually  by  silent  chains.  This 
shaft  takes  the  place  of,  and  performs  the  same 


FiR.   136  Fig.   137 

Inlet  Openlnp  on  Inlet  Open  on 

Kulglit  Engine  Knight  Bnglne 

notions  jis  llu>  camshaft  in  the  poppett  valve 
irino.  Tlic  iH'ivnlrio  pins  that  operate  the 
mr  sK'cvcs  arc  irivcn  a  certain  advance  or 
ml  over  those  opcriitinfr  the  onter  Bleeves. 
Iii.t  Uvul.  aboiii  110  degrees,  together  with  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


half-speed  rotation  of  the  shaft,  gives  the  fol- 
lowing valve  action: 

In  Pigs.    136   to   142   the   relative   positions 
of  the  pistons,  sleeves  and  ports  are  shown  in 


Fig.   139 
Firing  Point 

various  positions  during  the  two  revolutions  of 
the  crankshaft  that  malie  up  one  working  cycle 
of  inlet,  compression,  power  and  exhaust 
strokes.  Fig.  136  shows  the  inlet  just  open- 
ing. The  port,  or  slot  in  the  inner  sleeve  is 
coming  up,  the  port  in  the  outer  sleeve  is  go- 


306 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ing  down  and  the  passage  for  the  incoming  gas 
is  formed  by  the  rapidly  increasing  opening  be- 
tween the  upper  edge  of  the  slot  in  the  inner 
sleeve  and  the  lower  edge  of  the   slot  in  the 

outer  sleeve. 


Fig.  140  Pig.  141  Pig.    142 

Exhaust  Opening    Exhaust  Open    Exhaust  Cloelag 

Fig.  137  shows  the  inlet  fully  open.  The 
inner  and  outer  slots  are  exactly  opposite  each 
other  and  the  inlet  opening  in  the  cylinder 
wall.  Pig.  138  shows  the  closing  of  the  in- 
let.    The  cylinder  has   been  filled  with   fresfa 


The  Automobile  Handbook  307 

mixture  and  is  ready  for  the  compression  stroke. 
Pig.  139  shows  the  position  of  the  sleeves  at 
the  top  of  the  compression  stroke;  the  com- 
bustion space  having  been  completely  sealed  by 
the  expansion  rings  in  the  cylinder  head  above 
and  in  the  piston  below.  The  firing  of  the  mix- 
ture takes  place  at  this  point. 

Fig.  140  shows  the  exhaust  port  just  start- 
ing to  open.  The  slot  in  the  outer  sleeve  is 
coming  up  and  the  slot  in  the  inner  sleeve  is 
going  down.  Fig.  ,  141  shows  the  exhaust 
ports  fully  open.  The  inner  and  outer  slots 
are  opposite  each  other  and  at  the  same  time 
opposite  the  cylinder  opening  that  leads  to  the 
exhaust  piping.  Fig.  142  shows  the  closing 
of  the  exhaust  opening  and  is  practically  iden- 
tical with  the  position  shown  in  Fig.  136. 
The  four  strokes  of  the  cycle  (inlet,  compres- 
sion, power  and  exhaust)  have  now  been  com- 
pleted, the  crankshaft  has  made  two  complete 
revolutions  and  eac"h  sleeve  has  moved  up  and 
down  once. 

The  timing  of  inlet  and  exhaust  opening  and 
closing  is  not  different  from  that  ordinarily  used 
in  poppett-valve  engines,  but  the  opening  se- 
cured with  this  construction  is  greater  than 
that  ordinarily  found  in  the  poppett  type.  Some 
advantage  is  also  gained  because  of  the  more 
direct  path  of  the  incoming  and  outgoing  gases. 
The  timing  of  the  valve  openings  is  not  affected 
by  spring  pressure  or  engine  speed. 


308  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Engines,  Eight  and  Twelve  Cylinder  Types. 

The  development  of  the  automobile  engine  has 
been  along  the  lines  of  increase  in  number  of 
cylinders  and  decrease  in  the  size  of  the  indi- 
vidual cylinders,  without  any  considerable  in- 
crease in  the  total  horsepower  delivered  by 
the  engine.  This  development  has  resulted  in 
the  power  being  delivered  more  evenly,  inas- 
much as  an  impulse  is  delivered  to  the  crank- 
shaft each  time  a  cylinder  fires.  With  the  sin- 
gle cylinder  engine,  one  impulse  was  given  for 
each  two  revolutions  and  with  the  increase  to 
four,  six  and  eight  cylinders,  the  crankshaft 
has  received  two,  three  and  four  impulses  for 
each  single  revolution.  The  twelve  cylinder 
secures  a  power  stroke  for  each  sixty  degrees 
revolution  of  the  crankshaft  and  consequently 
gives  six  impulses  for  each  revolution. 

The  most  radical  change  between  former 
types  of  engine  and  the  eight  and  twelve  cylin- 
der types  is  that  of  placing  the  cylinders  in 
two  equal  divisions,  and,  in  place  of  standing 
vertically,  they  are  placed  at  an  angle  of  ninety 
degrees  in  the  eight  and  sixty  degrees  in  the 
twelve.  This  design  does  not  materially  in- 
crease the  length  of  the  engine  over  one  having 
four  or  six  cylinders  of  equal  size  and,  of  course, 
makes  the  height  somewhat  less,  due  to  the  in- 
clination. "While  these  engines  naturally  re- 
quire additional  cylinders,  valves,  connecting 
rods  and  pistons,  they  make  use  of  only  one 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Fig.   143 
Elgbt   Cylinder  Chassis 


310  The  Automobile  Handbook 

crankshaft  and  generally  of  but  one  camshaft. 
No  other  increase  in  number  of  parts  or  ac- 
cessories is  necessary,  one  carburetor,  one  ig- 
nition device  and  one  of  each  of  the  other 
power-plant  units  doing  the  work  for  both  sets 
of  cylinders. 

The  mounting  and  construction  of  the  gener- 
ally accepted  type  of  eight  cylinder  engine  is 
shown  in  Figs.  143  to  145.  As  will  be  noted 
from  the  top  view  shown  in  Fig.  143,  a  space 
is  left  between  the  cylinder  blocks  which  pro- 
vides suitable  location  for  such  fittings  as  the 
carburetor,  the  ignition  unit  and  usually  the 
lighting  dynamo.  The  valves  are  located  on  the 
inside  of  their  respective  castings  and  the  re- 
sulting position  of  the  caps  allows  easy  re- 
moval, inspection  and  grinding. 

The  center  lines  of  the  two  cylinder  blocks 
intersect  at  the  center  of  the  crankshaft,  and, 
as  will  be  noted  from  the  side  elevation  in 
Fi^.  144,  the  crankshaft  itself  does  not  dif- 
fi^v  from  the  usual  four-throw  type  used  with 
four  cylinder  engines.  Depending  on  the  type 
of  connecting  rod  construction  used,  the  cylin- 
ders in  the  blocks  are  set  so  that  corresponding 
ones  on  opposite  sides  are  exactly  opposite  or 
slijrlitly  oflTset  from  each  other  in  a  lengthwise 
direction.  In  any  case  the  connecting  rods 
from  the  two  front  cylinders  fasten  to  one 
erankpin,  while  those  from  the  second  cylin- 
flers  are  on  the  next  erankpin,  and  so  on  for 
those  remaining. 


Tke  Automobile  Handbook  311 


Fig.  144 
I   View   of   Eight   Cylinder   "V"   Type   Engine 


312  Tks  Auiomohile  Handbook 

Three  types  of  construction  are  in  use  for 
the  lower  end  of  the  connecting  rods;  the  most 
commoniy  used  method  being  shown  in  Figs.  144 
and  145,  in  which  one  rod  is  straight  and  of 


Fig.  145 
End  view  of  Eight  Cylinder  Engine 
the  usual  pattern  while  the  corresponding  one 
is  forked  and  has  the  two  sides  of  the  fork  so 
placed  that  they  are  on  either  side  of  the 
straight  member.  With  this  construction,  the 
erankpin  is  surrounded  with  a  sleeve  or  liner 
of  bearing  metal  and  the  forked  rod  is  clamped 


The  Automobile  Handbook  313 


Fig.  146 
Packard  Twelve  Cylinder  Engine 


814  The  Automobile  Handbook 

around  this  liner  so  that  the  liner  is  held 
tightly  by  the  rod,  and  the  shaft  turns  inside 
the  liner.  The  end  of  the  straight  connecting 
rod  has  its  bearing  on  the  outside  of  the  liner 
just  mentioned  and  therefore  has  only  a  recip- 
rocating motion  on  the  liner  in  place  of  turn- 
ing all  the  way  around.  The  bearing  of  the 
straight  rod  on  the  liner  is  adjustable,  but  the 

liner  is  not  adjustable  on  the  crankshaft. 

Another  form  of  connecting-rod .  construc- 
tion forms  one  of  the  rods  in  the  usual  way 
with  an  adjustable  bearing  on  the  crankpin. 
On  the  big  end  of  the  rod  just  mentioned  is 
a  boss  that  carries  a  pin  similar  ta  a  wristpin, 
and  on  this  pin  is  mounted  the  bearing  of  the 
second  connecting  rod..  The  end  of  the  second 
rod  does  not  surround  the  crankshaft  but  is 
mounted  on  the  end  of  the  one  with  the  beting. 

The  third  form  of  rod  construction  is  little 
used  on  eight  cylinder  types,  but  is  quite  com- 
mon on  twelves.  This  method  uses  a  complete 
rod  end  and  bearing  on  each  rod,  the  ends  and 
liners  being  placed  side  by  side  so  that  each  con- 
necting rod  has  a  bearing  on  one-half  of  the 
length  of  the  crankpin.  The  rods  are  not  in 
the  same  plane  and  therefore  the  cylinders  are 
offset,  the  set  on  one  side  of  the  engine  being 
a  little  forward  or  back  of  the  opposite  set. 
This  method  allows  individual  adjustment  of 
each  ])oaring. 

In  engines  with  either  eight  or  twelve  cylin- 
ders, the  camshaft  is  mounted  directly  above 


The  Automobile  Handbook  315 

the  crankshaft  and  therefore  between  the  cylin- 
der blocks.  Two  designs  are  in  common  use, 
one  making  use  of  separate  cams  for  each  of 
the  sixteen  or  twenty-four  valves,  and  the  other 
using  but  one  cam  for  the  inlet  valves  of  op- 
posite cylinders  and  another  cam  for  the  corre- 
sponding exhaust  valves.  With  but  one  cam 
for  two  valves,  the  valve  plunger  rollers  do 
not  rest  directly  on  the  cam,  but  the  plungers 
are  operated  from  rocker  arms,  hinged  at  one 
end  to  the  crankcase  and  having  a  roller  at  the 
end  that  rests  on  the  cam.  When  individual 
cams  are  used  for  each  valve,  the  cams  are  of 
necessity  placed  side  by  side,  but  the  slight 
distance  between  each  pair  makes  it  necessary 
to  offset  the  valves  or  offset  the  cylinder  blocks 
in  a  lengthwise  direction. 

As  mentioned,  it  is  customary  to  use  one  car- 
buretor with  a  manifold  that  divides  near  the 
instrument  with  one  branch  for  each  cylinder 
block.  Some  difficulty  was  met  with  in  provid- 
ing suitable  ignition  for  engines  with  eight  or 
twelve  cylinders,  but  this  has  been  overcome 
by  improved  forms  of  ignition  breakers,  by  the 
use  of  two  distributors  and  two  breakers  in 
some  cases  and  by  the  adoption  of  new  prin- 
ciples of  magneto  construction  in  others.  When 
it  is  realized  that  a  twelve  cylinder  engine  run- 
ning at  1,800  revolutions  a  minute  (a  moderate 
speed)  requires  10,800  accurately  timed  and 
powerful  sparks  every  minute,  the  reason  for 
the  difficulty  will  be  seen. 


316  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ill  considering  the  firing  order  of  these  en- 
gine's, it  should  he  borne  in  mind  that  an  eight 
is  siniihir  to  two  four  cylinder  engines,  side  by 
side,  while  a  twelve  is  similar  to  tw^o  sixes.  All 
four  cylinder  engines  fire  in  one  of  two  o.rders, 
cither  1-3-4-12  or  else  1-2-4-3,  considering  the 
front  cylinder  as  number  one.  Each  set  of  four 
cylinders  in  an  eight,  that  is,  the  left  hand  set 
and   tli(^  right  hand  set  fires  in  one   of  these 

orders,  the  only  difference  with  the  eight  being 
tliat  one  of  the  cylinders  of  the  left  hand  set 

fires  just  half  way  between  two  on  the  right, 
wiiil(»  each  cylinder  on  the  right  fires  midway 
between  two  on  the  left.  The  cylinders  on 
the  h'ft,  from  front  to  back  are  usually  desig- 
nated as  Xo.  1  Left,  No.  2  Left,  and  so  on; 
whih'  thos(»  in  the  right  are  No.  1  Right,  No. 
2  K'itj^ht,  etc.  The  firing  order  of  a  number  of 
eij^dit  cylinder  engines  is  therefore  as  follows: 
IL,  4K^",  3L,  2K,  4L,  IR,  2L,  3R;  in  which  it 
will  ])e  seen  that,  looking  at  either  the  **Ls" 
or  ^'Ks,"  they  fire  1-3-4-2. 

The  principles  explained  above  apply  equally 
to  the  twelve,  in  which  the  engine  may  be  con- 
sidered as  two  sixes,  each  set  of  cylinders  fir- 
ing in  one  of  the  orders  possible  for  a  six.  It 
is  j)ossil)le  to  number  all  the  cylinders  in  either 
an  eight  or  twelve  cylinder  engine  consecutively 
from  1  up  and  in  this  case  the  front  right  hand 
cylinder  is  usually  called  number  one.  The 
numbering  may  then  continue  from  front  to 
hack  on   tin*   right  hand  side,  in  which   case 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


these  cylinders  will  be  numbered  from  1  to  6, 
or  may  pass  to  the  left  side,  calling'  the  left 


Pig.   147 
Section  Through  Twelve   Cylinder   Engine 


front  cylinder  No.   2,   the  second   one  on   the 
right  No.  3,  etc.    This  last  method  would  bring 


318  The  Automobile  Handbook 

all  the  odd  numbers  on  the  left  and  all  the  even 
numbers  on  the  right. 

Designating  the  cylinders  of  a  twelve  by  the 
numbers  1  to  6  and  showing  their  position  by 
letters,  a  common  firing  order  would  be  as  fol- 
lows :  IR,  6L,  5R,  2L,  3R,  4L,  6R,  IL,  2R,  5L, 
4R,  3L.  This  fires  each  set  in  the  common  or- 
der:   1-5-3-6-2-4. 

A  twelve  cylinder  engine  is  shown  in  Figs. 
146  and  147,  and  most  of  the  data  given  in  the 
foregoing  pages  applies  equally  to  the  twelve 
and  the  eight.  The  principal  difference  between 
the  two  types  is  that  the  angle  included  between 
the  cylinder  blocks  of  the  twelve  is  less  than 
that  of  the  eight,  thus  leaving  less  space  be- 
tween the  blocks  in  the  location  often  called 
the  **  valve  alley.  ^'  Because  of  the  smaller 
space  between  the  cylinders,  a  larger  one  is 
left  outside  of  the  cylinders  before  the  sides 
of  the  hood  are  reached.  This  fact  has  led  to 
the  practice  on  twelves  of  locating  the  acces- 
sories, with  the  exception  of  the  carburetor, 
outside  of  the  cylinder  blocks  and  in  the  same 
place  that  they  usually  occupy  on  four  and 
six  cylinder  types. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  319 

Ezliaust — Cause  of  Smoky.  Smoke  coming 
from  the  exhaust  of  a  gasoline  motor  is  due  to 
one  of  two  conditions:  Over-lubrication — ^too 
much  lubricating  oil  being  fed  to  the  cylinder  of 
the  motor-  or  too  rich  a  mixture,  that  is,  too 
much  gasoline  and  an  insufficient  supply  of  air. 

The  first  condition  may  be  readily  detected 
by  the  smell  of  burned  oil  and  a  yellowish 
smoke.  The  second,  by  a  dense  black  smoke 
accompanied  by  a  pungent  odor. 

Expansion — Best  Conditions  for.  The  effi- 
ciency of  the  expansion  in  an  engine  cylinder 
iepends  upon  the  initial  volume  of  the  charge, 
;he  condition  of  the  mixture,  the  compression 
3ressure,  the  point  of  ignition,  the  speed  of  ex- 
pansion and  the  losses  due  to  radiation. 

The  losses  due  to  improper  expansion  may 
therefore  be  decreased  by  making  large  valves 
jind  valve  passages,  but  these  often  mean  greater 
beat  losses.  The  losses  due  to  radiation  may 
be  reduced  by  increasing  the  temperature  of  the 
jacket  water,  and  decreasing  the  area  of  the 
cylinder.  But  if  the  cylinder  wall  temperature 
is  increased,  there  are  considerable  difficulties 
with  lubrication,  and  the  increased  gain  in 
thermal  efficiency  will  be  more  than  offset  by 
the  increased  friction. 

In  order  to  obtain  the  highest  efficiency  the 
difference  in  the  temperature  of  the  water  en- 
tering and  leaving  the  cylinder  jacket  should 
be  a  maximum.  In  practical  tests  it  has  been 
Edund  that  the  best  results  are  obtained  when 
the  jacket  water  is  near  the  boiling  point. 


820  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Flywheels.  One  of  the  first  and  most  impor- 
tant considerations  in  connection  with  the  con- 
struction of  a  gasoline  automobile  motor  is  the 
proper  diameter  and  weight  of  the  flywheel.  If 
the  diameter  and  weight  of  the  flywheel  be 
known,  the  speed  of  the  motor  or  its  degree  of 
compression  will  become  a  variable  quantity. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  the  speed  of  the  motor 
and  the  degree  of  compression  be  fixed,  the  di- 
ameter or  weight  of  the  flywheel  rim  must  be 
varied  to  suit  the  other  conditions.  If  the  speed 
of  the  motor  and  its  degree  of  compression  be 
known,  the  diameter  of  the  flywheel  or  the 
weight  of  the  flywheel  rim  may  be  readily  as- 
certained from  the  following  formulas. 

Weight  of  Rims  op  Flywheels.  The  weight 
of  the  rim  of  the  flywheel  is  the  only  portion 
which  enters  into  the  following  calculations,  the 
weight  of  the  web,  or  spokes  and  hub  being 
neglected. 

Let  M.P  be  the  mean  pressure  of  the  com- 
pression, and  A  the  area  of  the  cylinder  in 
square  inches.  If  S  be  the  stroke  of  the  piston 
in  inches,  and  N  the  number  of  revolutions  per 
minute  of  the  motor,  let  D  be  the  outside  diam- 
eter of  the  flywheel  in  inches  and  W  its  re- 
quired weight  in  pounds,  then 

M.P  X  A  X  S  X  N 
W  = 


2560  X  D 
Diameter  of  Rims  of  Flywheels.    A  motor 


The  AviomobUe  Handbook  321 

that  is-  intended  to  operate  at  a  slow  rate  of 
speed,  and  consequently  with  a  high  degree  of 
compression,  will  require  a  flywheel  of  much 
greater  diameter  and  weight  than  a  high  speed 
motor  of  the  same  bore  and  stroke.  It  may  be 
well  to  remember  that  within  certain  limita- 
tions the  diameter  and  weight  of  a  flywheel 
should  be  as  small  as  is  possible,  as  an  increase 
in  either  means  a  reduction  in  motor  speed,  and 
a  consequent  loss  of  power. 

To  ascertain  the  diameter  of  a  flywheel 
•when  all  other  conditions  are  known,  if  D  be 
the  required  diameter  of  the  flywheel  in  inches, 
then 

M.P  X  A  X  S  X  N 

D  = : 

2560  X  W 

Weight  op  Eims  of  Flywheels  with  a  Given 
Fluctuation  in  Speed.  If  it  be  desired  to  run 
a  motor  at  a  practically  uniform  speed  and 
with  only  a  slight  fluctuation  or  variation  in 
the  velocity  of  the  flywheel,  if  W  be  the  re- 
quired weight  of  the  flywheel  and  x  be  the  al- 
lowable fluctuation  of  the  flywheel  in  revolu- 
tions per  minute  above  and  below  its  normal 
speed,  then 

M.P  X  A  X  S  X  N 

W  = 

365  XX 

Horsepower  Stored  in  Rims  op  Flywheels. 
It  is  sometimes  desirable  to  know  the  amount  of 


322  The  Automohile  Handbook 

energy  or  horsepower  which  may  be  stored  i 
the  rim  of  a  flywheel  of  known  diameter  an 
weight,  with  a  given  speed.  If  H.P  be  tl 
horsepower  stored  in  the  rim  of  the  flywhee 
then 

D2  X  W  X  N 

H.F  =  ^— 

792,000 

Safe  Speed  for  Eims  of  Flywheels.  The  sai 
velocity  for  the  rim  of  a  cast  iron  wheel 
taken  at  80  feet  per  second.     Let  N  be  sal 
speed  of  the  flywheel  in  revolutions  per  minut< 
then 

i8,335 

Nnz' — 

D 

The  mean  pressures  corresponding  to  varj 
ing  degrees  of  compression  may  be  found  b 
reference  to  Table  2. 

M.P  =  Mean  pressure. 

A  =  Area  of  cylinder  in  square  inches. 

S  =  Stroke  of  piston  in  inches. 

N  =  Number  of  revolutions  per  minute. 

D  ^  Diameter  of  flywheel  in  inches. 

W  :=  Weight  of  flywheel  in  pounds. 

Balancing  with  the  Reciprocating  Parts  c 
THE  ]\IoTOR.  The  flywheel  should  be  balance 
as  accurately  as  is  possible  before  mountin 
on  the  crank  shaft.  In  the  first  place  set  th 
crank  sliaft  on  two  perfectly  straight  paralk 
bars,  on(^  bar  under  each  end.    Then  attach  th 


The  Automobile  Handbooh  323 

connecting  rod  and  piston  to  the  crank  and 
turn  the  shaft  until  the  crank  jaws  are  parallel 
with  the  floor,  or  in  other  words,  at  right  angles 
to  a  perpendicular  line  drawn  through  the  cen- 
ter of  the  shaft.  Place  a  scale  under  the  crank 
pin,  or  use  a  hanging  scale  attached  to  some 
rigid  support  above  the  pin  and  connect  it  to 
the  crank  pin  by  a  wire  or  cord  sufficiently 
strong  to  carry  the  weight.  Then  find  the 
weight  of  the  parts  according  to  the  scale  and 
attach  the  same  amount  to  the  flywheel  at  the 
same  distance  from  the  shaft  on  the  side  oppo- 
site the  crank,  and  the  result  will  be  a  fairly 
balanced  motor.  It  is  impossible  to  obtain  a 
perfect  balance,  but  the  above  method  will 
assist  greatly  in  reducing  the  vibration  of  the 
motor. 

While  it  is  true  that  the  weight  of  the  flywheel 
may  be  reduced  as  the  number  of  cylinders  is 
increased,  there  is  a  practical  limit  below  which 
it  is  inadvisable  to  reduce  the  weight  at  the 
rim.  Even  should  the  number  of  cylinders  be 
sufficient  to  cause  a  balance  between  the  work- 
ing strokes,  it  would  still  be  desirable  to  add  a 
rotating  weight  to  compensate  in  some  measure 
for  the  several  reciprocating  masses,  such  as 
pistons,  connecting  rods,  crankshaft  webs,  etc. 
Engines  hg,ve  been  built  for  racing  purposes 
without  flywheels,  but  they  were  unsuccessful. 

Friction*  Friction,  being  the  resistance  to 
motion  of  two  bodies  in  contact,  depends  upon 


324  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  following  laws :  It  will  vary  in  proportion 
to  the  pressure  on  the  surfaces;  friction  of 
rest  is  greater  than  friction  of  motion;  the  to- 
tal friction  is  independent  of  the  area  of  the 
contact  surfaces  when  the  pressure  and  speed 
remain  constant;  and  friction  is  greater  be- 
tween soft  bodies  than  hard  ones. 

The  behavior  of  lubricated  surfaces  is  quite 
different  from  dry  ones,  the  laws  of  fluid  fric- 
tion being  independent  of  the  pressure  between 
the  surfaces  in  contact,  but  it  is  proportional  to 
the  density  of  the  fluid  and  in  some  manner  to 
the  viscosity.  When  a  bearing  is  thoroughly 
lubricated  it  does  not  seem  to  make  much  dif- 
ference what  the  metals  are,  because  there  is  a 
layer  of  oil  running  around  with  the  journal 
and  sliding  over  another  layer  adhering  to  the 
bearing.  If,  however,  the  feed  fails,  or  the  pres- 
sure gets  too  heavy  for  the  nature  of  the  lubri- 
cant, and  so  squeezes  it  out,  or  the  temperature 
has  risen  so  high  as  to  affect  the  body  of  the 
oil,  then  the  surfaces  come  into  contact  and  the 
peculiar  nature  of  the  contact  asserts  itself, 
some  combinations  abrading  and  seizing  more 
readily  than  others.  When  the  lubrication  is 
thorough,  the  condition  of  the  fluid  friction  be- 
ing realized,  the  intensity  of  the  load  makes  less 
difference  than  would  be  expected.   . 

Fuels  for  Automobiles.  Apart  from  the  pos- 
sibility of  an  increase  in  the  fuel  resources  of 
the  world  due  to  some  revolutionary  discovery, 
the  ingredients  in  any  mixed  fuel  for  automo- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  325 

bile  use  must  be  confined  to  the  following  list, 
in  which,  for  completeness,  gasoline  is  in- 
cluded : 

Gasoline.  Average  composition,  C=84,  H=: 
16. 

Source,  petroleum. 

Boiling  point,  50°  to  150°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .680  to  .720. 

Calorific  value,  19,000  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  small. 

Benzine.  Average  composition,  0=92,  H 
=8. 

Source,  coal  tar. 

Boiling  point,  80°  Cent. 

Freezing  point,  5°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .899. 

Calorific  value,  19,000  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  small. 

Alcohol.  Average  composition,  C=32,  H=:8, 
0=35. 

Source,  vegetable  matter,  principally  corn, 
beets,  potatoes,  sugar  cane. 

Boiling  point,  70°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .806. 

Calorific  value,  12,600  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  considerable. 

Tar  Benzol.  Average  composition,  C=92, 
H=8. 

Source,  a  by-product  in  the  manufacture  of 
coke. 

Boiling  point,  80°  to  120°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .895. 


326  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Calorific  value,  19,000  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  small. 

Kerosene.  Average  composition,  C=85, 
H=il5. 

Source,  petroleum. 

Boiling  point,  150°  to  300°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .800  to  .825. 

Calorific  value,  19,000  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  considerable. 

Motor  Spirit,  Naphtha,  Benzoline>  Benzine. 
Average  compositnon,  C==85,  H=15. 

Source,  petroleum  and  shale. 

Boiling  point,  60°  to  160°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .750. 

Calorific  value,  19,000  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  appreciable. 

Methyl  Alcohol,  Wood  Spirit,  Naphtha.  Av- 
erage composition,  C=38,  H=12,  0=50. 

Source,  the  distillation  of  wood. 

Boiling  point,  66°  Cent. 

Specific  gravity,  .812. 

Calorific  value,  9,600  B.  T.  U. 

Latent  heat,  appreciable. 

Acetylene  Ethene.  Average  composition, 
C=92,  H=8. 

Calorific  value,  25,000  B.  T.  U. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  327 

Fuel  Peed,  Vacuum. 

The  Stewart  vacuum  gasoline  tank,  Figs.  148 
to  152,  consists  of  two  chambers.  The  upper 
one  is  the  float  or  filling  chamber,  and  the  lower 
one  is  the  reservoir  or  empty  chamber.  The 
upper  chamber  is  connected  with  the  intake 
manifold  of  the  motor,  and  also  with  the  main 
gasoline  supply  tank.  The  lower  or  emptying 
chamber  is  connected  with  the^gaf buretor.  Be- 
tween these  two  chambers  i^'  a  valve.  The 
suction  of  the  piston  on  the  intake  stroke  creates 
a  vacuum  in  the  upper  chamber.  This  closes 
the  valve  between  the  two  chambers,  and  in 
turn  draws  gasoline  from  the  main  supply  tank. 
The  gasoline,  being  sucked  or  pumped  up  into 
this  upper  chamber,  operates  a  float  valve. 
When  this  valve  has  risen  t6"a  certain  mark 
it  automatically  shuts  off  the  suction  valve  and 
opens  an  air  valve.  This  open  air  valve  creates 
an  atmospheric  condition  in  the  upper  chamber 
and  opens  the  valve  into  the  lower  chamber,  and 

V  the  gasoline  immediately  commences  to  flow  to 
the  lower  or  emptying  chamber.  The  lower 
chamber  is  always  open  to  outside  atmospheric 

^  conditions,  so  that  the  filling  of  the  upper  cham- 
ber in  no  way  interferes  with  an  even,  uninter- 
rupted flow  of  gasoline  from  this  lower  cham- 
ber to  the  carburetor. 

A  is  the  suction  valve  for  opening  and  clos- 
ing the  connection  to  the  manifold  and  through 
which  a  vacuum  is  extended  from  the  engine 
manifold  to  the  gasoline  tank. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


-j-V>    BETOn 

Fig,  148 
Stewart  Vacuum  Fuel  Peed  Tank 


The  Automobile  Handbook  329 

B  is  the  atmospheric  valve,  and  permits  or 
prevents  an  atmospheric  condition  in  the  up- 
per chamber.     See  Fig.  149.     When  the  suc- 


tion valve  A  is  open  and  the  suction  is  drawing 
gasoline  from  the  main  reservoir,  this  atmos- 
pheric valve  B  is  closed.      When    the    suction 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


-trrangement  ol  Parts  ol  VacMMm  ■Em^l'S* 


The  Automobile  Handbook  331 

valve  A  is  closed,  then  the  atmospheric  valv^^i 

B  must  be  open,  as  an  atmospheric  condition  is 

necessary  in  the  upper  tank  in  order  to  allow 
the  fuel  to  flow  through  the  flapper  valve  H 

into  the  lower  chamber. 

C  is  a  pipe  connecting  tank  to  manifold  of 

engine. 

D  is  a  pipe  connecting  vacuum  tank  to  the 
main  gasoline  supply  tank. 

E  is  a  lever  to  which  the  two  coil  springs  S 
are  attached.  This  lever  is  operated  by  the 
movement  of  the  float  G. 

P  is  a  short  lever,  which  is  operated  by  the 
lever  E  and  which  in  turn  operates  the  valves 
A  and  B. 

G  is  the  float. 

H  is  flapper  valve  in  the  outlet  T.  This 
flapper  valve  is  held  closed  by  the  action  of 
the  suction  whenever  the  valve  A  is  open,  but 
it  opens  when  the  float  valve  has  closed  the 
vacuum  valve  A  and  opened  the  atmospheric 
valve  B. 

J  is  a  pet  cock  for  drawing  water  or  sedi- 
ment out  of  the  reservoir.  This  may  also  be 
used  for  drawing  gasoline  for  priming  or  clean- 
ing purposes. 

K  is  a  line  to  the  carburetor  extended  on  in- 
side of  the  tank  to  form  a  pocket  for  trapping 
water  and  sediment  which  may  be  drawn  out 
through  pet  cock  J. 

L  is  a  channel  space  between  inner  and  outer 
shells,  and  connects  with  air  vent  E,  "^ihus  main- 


332  The  Automobile  Handbook 

taining  an  atmospheric  condition  in  the  lover 
chamber  at  all  times,  and  thereby  permittii^ 
an  uninterrupted  flow  of  gasoline  to  the  carbu- 
retor. 

M  is  the  guide  for  float. 

R  is  an  air  veut  over  the  atmospheric  valve. 
See  Pig.  151.  The  effect  of  this  is  the  ssiae 
as  if  the  whole  tauk  were  elevated  and  is  for 
the  purpose  of  preventing  an  overflow  of  gaso- 
line should  the  position  of  the  car  ever  be  snch 


Fig.   151 

Upper  Connections  of  Vacuum  Tank 
as  would  raise  the  gasoline  supply  tank  higher 
than  the  vacuum  tank.  Through  this  tube  also 
the  lower,  or  reservoir  chamber,  is  continually 
open  to  atmospheric  pressure,  so  that  the  flow 
of  gasoline  from  this  lower  chamber  to  the  car- 
buretor is  always  allowed. 

T  is  the  outlet  located  at  the  bottom  of  the 

float  reservoir  in  which  is  the  flapper  valve  H. 

The  flapper  valve  is  ground  on  its  seat  and 

Bhould   he  trouhle-proo?,     A.  smaft.  ■9M\\(iR,  «t 

dirt  getting  under  the  fiappex  ^aVift  m\^\.  -^t^ 


The  Automobile  Handbook  333 

vent  it  from  seating  absolutely  air-tight  and 
thereby  render  the  tank  inoperative:  In  order 
to  determine  whether  or  not  the  flapper  valve 
is  out  of  commission,  first  plug  up  air  vent; 
then  detach  tubing  from  bottom  of  tank  to 
carburetor.  Start  motor  and  apply  finger  to 
this  opening.  If  suction  is  felt  continuously, 
then  it  is  evident  that  there  is  a  leak  in  the 
connection  between  the  tank  and  the  main  gas- 
oline supply  or  else  the  flapper  valve  is  being 
held  oflf  its  seat  and  is  letting  air  into  the  tank 
instead  of  drawing  gasoline. 

Any  troublesome  condition  of  the  flapper 
valve  can  be  remedied  by  removing  tank  cover, 
then  lift  out  the  inner  tank.  Fig.  152.  The 
flapper  valve  will  be  found  screwed  into  the 
bottom  of  this  inner  tank. 

Coupling  and  elbow  connections  should  be 
kept  screwed  down  tight.  Care  should  be  taken 
that  tubing  contains  no  sharp  flat  bends  that 
might  retard  the  gasoline  flow. 

Gasoline  for  priming  or  cleaning  purposes 
can  be  obtained  by  opening  pet  cock. 

To  make  certain  that  the  tank  is  not  at  fault 
in  case  of  trouble,  take  out  the  inner  tank  en- 
tirely. This  will  leave  only  the  outer  shell, 
which  will  then  be  nothing  more  than  an  or- 
dinary gravity  tank.  Fill  this  tank  with  gas- 
oline and  start  to  run.  If  you  still  have  trouble 
it  will  be  apparent  that  the  fault  lies  elsewhere 
and  not  in  the  tank. 


334  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Carburetor  pops  and  spits  are  due  to  im- 
proper carburetor  adjustments.  Running  the 
engine  at  low  speed  with  an  open  throttle  for 
any  length  of  time  might  not  produce  sufficient 
suction  to  fill  the  tank  when  empty.  But  this 
condition  might  take  place  because  of  dirt  or 
foreign  matter  getting  in  and  clogging  the  gas- 
oline feed  tube. 

If  you  have  any  doubt  as  to  the  tank  being 
full  of  gasoline,  it  is  only  necessary  to  close  the 
throttle  and  the  suction  of  the  motor  will  then 
fill  the  tank  almost  instantly. 

To  fill  the  tank,  should  it  ever  become  en- 
tirely empty,  close  the  engine  throttle  and  turn 
the  engine  over  a  few  revolutions.  This  will 
create  sufficient  vacuum  in  the  tank  to  fill  it. 
H  the  tank  has  been  allowed  to  stand  empty 
for  a  considerable  time  and  does  not  easily  fill 
when  the  engine  is  turned  over,  look  for  dirt  or 
sediment  under  the  flapper  valve  H,  or  the 
valve  may  be  dry.  Removing  the  plug  W  in 
the  top  and  s(iuirting  a  little  gasoline  into  the 
tank  will  wash  the  dirt  from  this  valve;  also 
wet  the  valve  and  cause  the  tank  to  work  im- 
mediately. This  flapper  valve  sometimes  gets 
a  black  carbon  pitting  on  it,  which  may  tend 
to  hold  it  from  being  sucked  tight  on  its  seat. 
Jn  this  case  the  valve  should  be  scraped  with  a 
knife. 

Tf  the  motor  speeds  up  when  the  vacuum  tank 
is  drawing  gasoline  from  the  main  supply  it 
shows  that  either  the  carburetor  mixture  is  too 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


-ich,  or  the  connections  are  so  loose  that  it  is 
{rawing  air  into  the  manifold.     There  should 


no  perceptible  change  of  engine  speed  when 
tank  is  operating. 


336  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Gases,  Expansion  of.  All  gases  expand 
equally,  1/273  part  of  their  volume  for  each 
degree  of  temperature,  Centigrade,  of  1/491 
part  of  their  volume  for  each  degree  of  temper- 
ature, Fahrenheit. 

Gasoline,  How  Obtained.  Benzine,  Gasoline, 
Kerosene  and  the  kindred  hydro-carbons  are 
products  of  crude  petroleum. 

They  are  separated  from  the  crude  oil  by  a 
process  of  distillation.  The  process  is  very  sim- 
ilar to  that  of  generating  steam  from  'vtrater. 

Crude  petroleum  subjected  to  heat  will  give 
off  in  the  form  of  vapor  such  products  as  Ben- 
zine, Gasoline  and  Kerosene,  etc.  The  degrees 
of  heat  at  which  these  products  are  separated 
are  comparatively  low.  Various  degrees  of  heat 
will  separate  the  distinct  products.  As  a  means 
of  illustration,  it  may  be  said  that  the  crude  oil 
when  raised  to  certain  temperatures  gives  off 
vapors  which  when  cooled  liquefy  into  oils. 

Viscosity  of  Gasoline.  It  is  a  mistake  to 
assume  that  because  gasoline  does  not  thicken 
up,  it  is  retarded  in  its  flow  through  the  nozzle 
of  the  carbureter.  Taking  gasoline  having  a 
specific  gravity  of  0.71  the  quantity  that  will 
pass  through  the  nozzle  of  a  carbureter  under  a 
given  pressure  will  increase  as  the  temperature 
is  increased,  as  shown  in  the  following  table: 

Temp,  degrees  F.  Relative  Flow. 

F>0«     1 

59*     1.073 

f?8o     1.145 

77»     1.212 

86°     1.27 

9.«>«     1.886 


The  Automobile  Handbook  337 

Since  carbureter  nozzles  are  not  readily  ad- 
justable, nor  with  any  degree  of  certainty,  it 
follows  from  the  above  that  the  influence  of  tem- 
perature upon  the  weight  of  fuel  ejected  will 
most  certainly  affect  the  efficiency  of  the  car- 
bureter.  This  source  of  trouble  goes  to  indi- 
cate that  some  means  of  maintaining  a  constant 
temperature  is  of  the  greatest  advantage,  and 
in  a  measure  it  argues  for  the  adaptation  of 
water  (hot)  jacketing,  not  around  the  depres- 
sion chamber,  as  is  usually  the  practice,  but 
around  the  gasoline  (float)  bowl,  in  order  to 
maintain  a  constant  temperature  of  the  liquid 
gasoline  as  it  flows  through  the  nozzle. 

Gasoline  Explosions.  There  are  two  entirely 
different  kinds  of  explosion,  which  would  un- 
doubtedly both  be  referred  to  as  gasoline  ex- 
plosions. The  real  gasoline  explosion  is  the 
kind  taking  place  in  the  cylinder  of  a  gasoline 
motor,  in  which  heat  and  pressure  are  suddenly 
produced  by  the  combustion  of  gasoline  vapor 
in  air.  The  other  kind  of  explosion  referred  to 
may  be  explained  as  follows: 

If  a  tank  of  gasoline  be  placed  on  a  woodpile 
and  the  latter  set  on  fire,  the  heat  would 
raise  a  pressure  in  the  tank,  which  would  rap- 
idly increase  and  the  tank  would  finally  explode 
from  the  pressure.  The  gasoline  would  then 
be  thrown  in  all  directions,  and,  owing  to  its 
superheated  condition,  the  greater  part  of  it 
at  least  would  instantly  vaporize,  mix  with  the 


338  The  Automobile  Handbook 

air  of  the  atmosphere  and  be  ignited  by  the 
flame  which  caused  the  explosion. 

Gasoline  Fires,  Extinguishing.  A  number  of 
fires  have  been  caused  by  leaky  gasoline  pipes 
on  automobiles,  and  many  persons  would  like  to 
know  of  chemicals  which  can  be  used  to  put 
out  such  fires.  Water  is  exceedingly  danger- 
ous to  use,  and  it  is  not  always  possible  to  get 
at  the  fire  to  smother  it  with  wet  rags  or  waste. 

In  case  of  fire  due  to  gasoline,  use  fine  earth, 
flour  or  sand  on  top  of  the  burning  liquid. 

A  dry  powder  can  be  used  for  this  purpose 
which  will  extinguish  the  fire  in  a  few  seconds. 
It  is  made  as  follows :  Common  salt,  15  parts — 
sal-ammoniac,  15  parts — bicarbonate  of  soda, 
20  parts.  The  ingredients  should  be  thoroughly 
mixed  together  and  passed  through  a  fine  mesh 
sieve  to  secure  a  homogeneous  mixture. 

If  by  any  chance  a  tank  of  gasoline  takes  fire 
at  a  small  outlet  or  leak,  run  to  the  tank  and 
not  away  from  it,  and  either  blow  or  pat  the 
flame  out.  Never  put  water  on  burning  gaso- 
line or  oil,  the  gasoline  or  oil  will  float  on  top 
of  the  water  and  the  flames  spread  much  more 
rapidly. 

Several  gallons  of  ammonia,  thrown  in  the 
room  with  such  force  as  to  break  the  bottles 
which  contain  it,  will  soon  smother  the  strong- 
est fire  if  the  room  be  kept  closed. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  operate  a  pleasure  car, 
and  certainly  not  a  truck,  without  having  a  port- 
able extinguisher  on  the  car.     Such  extinguish- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  339 

ers  are  made  in  sizes  suitable  for  carrying  in  an 
easily  accessible  place  and  should  be  so  mounted. 
A  fire  starting  in  the  under-pan  or  under  the 
hood  may  be  smothered  in  the  beginning,  while 
delay  would  mean  the  car's  destruction. 

Gki,soline,  Thermo-dynamic  Properties  of 
Gasoline  and  Air.  The.  following  table,  8, 
gives  the  thermo-dynamic  properties  of  gaso- 
line and  air,  and  may  be  of  interest,  in  view  of 
the  fact  that  information  on  this  subject  is 
sparse,  and  most  of  that  only  theoretical,  or 
empirical  deductions. 

This  table  gives  the  explosive  force  in  pounds 
per  square  inch  of  mixtures  of  gasoline  vapor 
and  air,  varying  from  1  to  13  down  to  1  to  4, 
also  the  lapse  of  time  between  the  point  of  igni- 
tion and  the  highest  pressure  in  pounds  per 
square  inch  attained  by  the  expanding  charge 
of  mixture.  The  tests  from  which  the  results 
given  were  obtained,  were  made  with  a  charge 
of  mixture  at  atmospheric  pressure,  so  as  to 
more  accurately  note  the  results,  as  the  mixture 
takes  much  longer  after  ignition  to  attain  its 
highest  pressure,  and  is  slower  also  in  expand- 
ing. 

It  may  be  well  to  remember  that  there  are  no 
more  heat-units,  and  consequently  no  more  foot- 
pounds of  work  in  a  mixture  of  gasoline  and  air, 
under  5  atmospheres  compression,  than  under 
1  atmosphere  compression. 

Flanged  or  ribbed  air-cooled  motors  will  ap- 
proach the  figures  given  in  the  table  for  the 


3^0 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


initial  explosive  force  for  the  varying  con 
sions,  very  closely,  while  thermal-siphor 
ter-cooled  motors  will  come  within  abo 
per  cent  of  these  results,  and  pump  and  rj 
ing  coil  cooled  motors  will  come  within 
30  per  cent.  While  it  appears  at  the  first  g 
that  the  proper  thing  to  do  to  get  the  gn 
efficiency  from  a  motor  would  be  to  let  i 
as  hot  as  possible,  experience  has  shown 
the  repair  bill  of  a  hot  motor  will  more 
offset  its  efficiency  over  the  cooler  water 
eted  motor,  with  pump  and  radiating  coils 
last  two  columns  in  the  table  give  the  ten 
ture  of  the  burning  gases,  the  first  of  th( 
eohimns  the  actual  temperature  with  th 
companying  mixture  of  gasoline  and  air 
the  second  the  theoretical  temperatures,  or 
peratnre  to  which  the  burning  mixture  si 
attain,  if  there  were  no  heat  losses. 


TABLE  8. 

THER^rO-PYXAMIC    FROFERTIES    OF   GASOLIXS    AND   A 


Air. 


\\ 


I  i.>  n 

1  to 

1  to 

1  '■> 

1  r  . 


Time  in 

betwtva 
Ignition 

and 

Ui^iht'st 

Vrt- 

surt'.  * 


0.07 


Explosive  Force  in 
Pounds  per  sq.  in. 


Compression 
ia  Atmospherei. 


8 


•J  TO 

lUO 


Temper 

of  Comb 

in  Des 

Fahren 


ActoaL 


18."»7 
2196 
280:^ 
3110 
3226 
2965 


•A:  at!"' 


-■^snrtv 


The  Automobile  Handbook  341 

Oearless  Transmission.  This  name  has  been 
applied  to  a  wide  variety  of  transmission,  or 
change  speed  devices.  It  is  quite  customary  to 
refer  to  the  friction  drive  as  a  gearless  system, 
and  this  is  true  to  the  extent  of  not  using 
toothed  gearing  of  any  form. 

A  car  using  this  name  was  built  several  years 
ago,  and  its  construction  embodied  a  novel 
method  of  change  speed  mechanism.  The  trans- 
mission system  of  the  gearless  car  made  use  of  a 
central  cone,  long  in  proportion  to  its  diameter, 
and  faced  with  friction  material.  Placed  so  that 
they  might  engage  with  this  driving  member, 
were  several  sets  of  rollers,  which  were,  in  turn, 
brought  into  contact  with  driven  members  or 
clutches.  The  principle  of  operation  was  that 
of  the  planetary,  or  internal  epicyclic,  gear.  In 
place  of  using  toothed  gears,  this  car  secured  its 
drive  by  bringing  one  or  the  other  sets  of  rollers 
into  play  and  thereby  secured  three  forward 
speeds  and  one  reverse.  Large  power  was  trans- 
mitted and  little  trouble  found. 

Gears,  Diametrical  Pitch  System  of.  Table 
9  gives  the  necessary  dimensions  for  lay- 
ing out  and  cutting  involute  tooth  spur  gears 
from  No.  16  to  No.  1  diametral  pitch.  Formulas 
are  also  given  so  that  if  the  number  of  teeth 
and  the  diametral  pitch  are  known,  the  pitch 
diameter  can  be  ascertained — also,  the  diam- 
etral pitch,  outside  diameter,  number  of  teeth, 
working  depth,  and  clearance  at  \>o\Xot£v  c^'i 
tootb : 


342  The  Automobile  Handbook 

P  =:  Pitch  diameter  in  inches. 
D  =  Diametral  pitch. 
W  =  Working  depth  of  tooth  in  inches. 
T  =  Thickness  of  tooth  in  inches. 
0  =  Outside  diameter  in  inches. 
C  ^  Circular  pitch  in  inches. 

T 

(1)  Pitch  diameter=^ — 

D 

2 

(2)  Outside  diameter=P-| — 

D 

T 

(3)  Diametral  pitch = — 

P 

3.142 

(4)  Circular  pitch=: 

D 

2 

( 5  >  Working  depth  of  tooth= — =2-^. 

D 

(())  Xumher  of  teeth=PxD 

(7)  Thickness  of  tooth=1.57lXl 

C 

(  S  1     Cloaranc'o  at  bottom  of  tooth= — 

20 

For  oxani]^l(^ :     "Required,  the  pitch  diamet( 
of  a  irear  with  20   teeth   and  No.   5    diametn 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


343 


pitch.  From  Formula  No.  1,  as  the  pitch  diam- 
eter is  equal  to  the  number  of  teeth  divided  by 
the  diametral  pitch,  then  20  divided  by  5 
equals  4,  as  the  required  pitch  diameter  in 
inches. 

What  is  the  outside  diameter  of  the  same 
gear?  From  Formla  No.  2,  as  the  pitch  diam- 
eter is  4  inches,  and  the  diametral  pitch  No. 
5,  then  4  plus  2/5  equals  4  2/5  as  the  proper 
outside  diameter  for  the  gear. 

What  would  be  the  diametral  pitch  of  a 
gear  with  30  teeth  and  5  inches  pitch  diame- 
ter? From  Formula  No.  3,  30  divided  by  5 
equals  6,  as  the  diametral  pitch  to  be  used  for 
the  gear.  In  this  manner  by  the  use  of  the 
proper  formula  any  desired  dimension  may  be 
obtained. 


TABLE  9. 
DIMENSIONS    OF   INVOLUTE  TOOTH   SPUB  GEABS. 


Diametral 
Pitch. 


Circular 
Pitch. 


Width  of 

Tooth  on 

Pitch 

Line. 


WorkinL 

Depth  o 

Tooth. 


Actual 

Depth  of 

Tooth, 


Clearance 
at  Bottom 
of  Tooth 


1 

2 

3 

i 

5 

6 

7 

8 

10 

12 

14 

16 


3.142 

1.571 

2.000 

2.157 

1.571 

0.785 

1.000 

1.078 

1.047 

0.524 

0.667 

0.719 

0.785 

0.393 

0.500 

0.539 

0.628 

0.314 

0.400 

0.431 

0.524 

0.262 

0.333 

0.360 

0.447 

0.224 

0286 

0.308 

0.393 

0.196 

0.250 

0.270 

0.314 

0.157 

0.200 

0.216 

0.262 

0.131 

0.167 

0.180 

0.224 

0.112 

0.143 

0.154 

0.196 

0.098 

0.125 

0.135 

0.157 
0  078 
0.052 
0.039 
0.031 
0.026 
0.022 
0.019 
0.016 
0.013 
0  011 
0.009 


(Jears,  Horsepower  Transmitted  by.    The  fol- 
lowing formulas  will  give  the  horsepower  that 


344  The  Automobile  Handbook 

may  be  transmtited  by  gears  with  .cut  teet" 
involute  form  and  of  various  metals. 

H.P  1=  Horsepower. 

P  =  Pitch  diameter  in  inches. 
C  =  Circular  pitch  in  inches.* 
F  =  Width  of  face  in  inches. 
R 1=  Revolutions  per  minute. 


PXCXFXR 


XJ..X    — 

90 

PXCXFXR 

H.P- 

_ 

140 

PXCXFXR 

H.P- 

410 

TTT> 

PXCXFXR 

(Annealed  tool  steel.) 


(Mach.  steel  or  Phos- 
phor Bronze.) 


(Cast  Brass.) 


(Cast  Iron.) 


550 


Example:    Required,  the   horsepower    wl 
a  tool  steel  pinion,  2  inches  pitch  diamete 
inch  face  and    No.    10    diametral    pitch, 
transmit  at  900  revolutions  per  minute. 

Answer:  From  the  table  the  circular  p 
oorrespondinfi:    to    No.    10    diametral    pitch 

*The  circular  pitch  corresponding  to  any  diametral  pitch  : 
bcr.  may  be  found  by  dividing  the  constant  3.1416  by  the  c 
etral  i>i'tch. 

Kxamplo:  What  is  the  circular  pitch  In  Inches  correspon 
to  No.  <)  diametral  pitch. 

Answer:  The  result  of  dividing  3.1416  by  6  gives  0.524  Jb 
as  the  required  circular  pitch. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


345 


0.314.  Then  by  Formula  No.  1,  2X0.314X1X 
900  equals  56&.2.  This,  divided  by  90,  gives 
5.29  horsepower. 

Gear,  Intemal-Epicyclic.  It  is  often  desired 
to  ascertain  the  speed  of  rotation  of  the  differ- 
ent members  of  this  form  of  gearing.  To  cal- 
culate their  speeds,  the  following  formulas  are 
given,  which,  by  reference  to  the  letters  desig- 


Fig.  153 


nating  the  different  parts  in  Figure  153,  may  be 
readily  solved. 

Let  R  be  the  revolutions  per  minute  of  the 
disk  or  spider  carrying  the  pinions  D. 

Let  N  be  revolutions  per  minute  of  the  gear 
E. 

Let  6  be  the  revolutions  per  minute  of  the 
internal  gear  F. 

When  the  internal  gear  F  is  locked  and  gear 
E  rotating,  the  speed  in  revolutions  per  minute 
of  the  disk  or  spider  carrying  the  pinions  D  is 


346  The  Automobile  Handbook 

E 
R  =  N    


E  +  F 

If  the  internal  gear  be  locked  and  the  spider 
carrying  the  pinions  D  be  rotated,  then  the 
speed  in  revolutions  per  minute  for  the  gear  E 
will  be 

E  +  F 
Nz=R    

E 

If  the  spider  carrying  the  pinions  D  be  held 
rigid  and  the  gear  E  be  rotated,  the  speed  in 
revolutions  per  minute  for  the  internal  gear  F  ia 

NXE 

G  = ^ 

F 

If  the  pitch  diameter  of  the  gears  is  not  read- 
ily obtainable,  the  number  of  teeth  in  each  gear 
may  be  used  instead,  as  the  result  will  be  ex- 
actly the  same. 

It  will  be  recognized  that  this  is  the  form  of 
gearing  employed  in  the  older  forms  of  plane- 
tary transmission  devices.  Newer  types  use  no 
internal  toothed  gears. 

Heat  of  Combustion.  The  quantity  of  heat 
generated  by  the  complete  combustion  of  vari- 
ous gases  and  petroleum  products  is  known 
as  the  heat  value  of  the  fuel,  and  represents  the 
maximum  amount  of  heat  that  can  be  obtained 
from  a  given  quantity  of  the  fuel.    No  accurate 


The  Automobile  Handbook  347 

rule  has  yet  been  devised  by  which  to  compute 
the  heat  vahie  of  any  chemical  compound  from 
its  formula  and  the  heat  values  of  the  elements 
of  which  it  is  composed.  Hence,  the  heat  values 
of  compounds  must  be  found  by  a  separate  de- 
termination for  each  one  in  the  laboratory.  The 
heat  developed  by  the  combustion  of  some  of 
the  commoner  fuels  and  gases  is  given  in  Table 
14.  In  the  case  of  carbon,  the  heat  developed 
by  its  complete  combustion,  forming  CO2,  and 
the  heat  of  its  partial  combustion  to  CO,  are 
given;  also  the  heat  of  combustion  of  CO  to 

CO2. 

Heat  Value  op  a  Mixture.  The  heat  value 
of  a  mixture  may  be  found  from  the  heat  val- 
ues of  the  substances  of  which  it  is  composed 
and  the  percentage  of  each  substance.  If  h^, 
ha,  hs,  etc.,  represent  the  heat  values  of  the 
substances  forming  the  mixture,  and  Pi,  P2,  Ps, 
etc.  represent  the  percentage  of  each  substance, 
the  heat  value  of  the  mixture  will  be  repre- 
sented by  the  following  formula : 

hm=Pihi+p2h2+P3h3+etc. 

Example. — A  certain  gas  has  the  following 
composition : 

Constituents  of  Oas  Per  Cent. 

Hydrogen,    H    20 

Marsh  gas,  CH4 70 

Acetylene,   C2H2   10 

What  is  the  heat  value  per  cubic  foot  of  the 
mixture  ? 

Solution. — Referring  to   Table   10,   the  heat 


348 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


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The  Automobile  Handbook  349 

values  per  cubic  foot  of  these  gases  are  seen  to 
be  327,  1,010  and  1,464  B.  T.  U.,  respectively. 
Apply  the  formula  just  given,  p^  =  .20,  Pg  = 
.70,  and  pg  =  .10.  Also,  hj  =  327,  h^  =  1,010, 
and  hg  =  1,464.  Substituting,  hm  =  .20  X  327 
+  .70  X  1,010  +  .10  X  1,464  =  65.4  +  707  + 
146.4  =  918.8  B.  T.  U.  Ans. 

Temperature  op  Combustion.  The  theoret- 
ical temperature  of  the  combustion  of  a  given 
fael  can  easily  be  calculated.  Making  no  al- 
lowance for  losses  of  heat,  and  supposing  that 
just  enough  air  is  furnished  for  the  combustion, 
burning  carbon  should  have  a  temperature 
about  4,940°  above  zero ;  while  burning  hydro- 
gen should  have  a  temperature  about  5,800° 
above  zero.  In  practice,  these  temperatures 
are  never  attained,  on  account  of  heat  losses. 

Loss  OP  Heat.  The  loss  of  heat  from  any  hot 
object  is  accomplished  in  three  ways:  by  con- 
vection, by  conduction  and  by  radiation.  In 
all  practical  cases  a  body  loses  heat  by  a  com- 
bination of  these  processes. 

When  heat  is  produced  in  the  cylinder  by  the 
combustion  of  the  gases,  the  piston  is  at  or  near 
the  upper  dead  center ;  that  is,  it  remains  nearly 
stationary  when  the  heat  is  greatest  and  when 
the  heat  loss  per  unit  area  of  inclosing  walls  is 
most  rapid. 

Under  the  usual  conditions  of  ignition,  the 
gas  contained  in  the  cylinder  must  be  set  into 
violent  motion  by  the  spread  of  the  flame 
through  it,  and  this  motion  will  aid  the  dissipa- 


350  The  Automobile  Handbook 

iion  of  the  heat  in  the  gas  to  the  containing 
walls.  So  convection  will  be  an  important  fac- 
tor in  the  process  and  perhaps  the  principal 
factor.  Perhaps  a  part  of  the  gain  in  power 
which  has  resulted,  in  some  instances,  from  the 
use  of  multiple  ignition  may  be  due  to  violent 
motion  of  the  gas.  Practically  all  air  cooled 
motors  have  their  valves  in  the  head,  so  the 
charge  is  contained  between  the  cylinder  walls 
and  the  piston  head. 

The  heat  absorbed  by  the  water-jacket  is 
equal  to  the  weight  of  water  passed  through  the 
jacket  multiplied  by  the  temperature  range ;  or, 
in  other  words,  it  is  the  difference  between  the 
temperature  of  the  water  when  it  enters  the 
water-jacket  and  that  of  the  water  when  it 
leaves  the  jacket.  For  instance,  if  the  tempera- 
ture of  the  entering  water  is  50**  and  that  of 
escaping  water  is  180°,  the  temperature  range 
is  180°— 50**  =130°.  Then,  if  the  weight  of 
the  water  passing  through  the  jacket  in  1  hour 
is  100  pounds,  the  heat  carried  away  is  100  X 
130  ==  13.000  British  thermal  units. 

Horsepower.  The  actual  horsepower  of  an 
engine  can  only  be  determined  by  making  a 
test  with  suitable  brakes  or  dynamometers. 
This  method  would  give  the  actual  brake  horse- 
power. In  order  to  allow  ready  calculation,  the 
Society  of  Automobile  Engineers'  formula  is 
used  and  is  generally  recognized.  The  bore  or 
diameter  of  the  cylinder  is  first  squared;  that 
is,  the  size  in  inches  is  multiplied  by  itself.    This 


•  The  Automobile  Handbook  351 

number  is  then  multiplied  by  the  number  of 
cylinders  and  the  result  divided  by  2i/^.  Thus, 
for  an  engine  with  5-inch  bore:  5x5=25.  If 
of  4  cylinders,  25x4=100,  and  100  divided  by 
2%  gives  the  result  as  40  horsepower.  In  order 
to  secure  approximately  correct  results,  the  en- 
gine is  supposed  to  be  operating  at  1,000  feet 
per  minute  piston  speed. 

Horsepower  of  Explosive  Motors.  The  first 
requisite  is  to  find  the  number  of  power  strokes 
made  per  minute  by  the  motor.  In  a  single 
cylinder  motor  of  the  four-cycle  type  there  is 
one  power  stroke  for  every  two  revolutions, 
and  if  the  motor  has  four  cylinders  there  is 
one  power  stroke  for  every  revolution  of  the 
crank  shaft.  The  number  of  power  strokes  then 
may  be  found  by  the  following  formula  (refer- 
ring to  a  four-cycle  motor) : 

C 

N  =  — XS 

4 

in   which   N  =  Number   of  power  strokes  per 

minute. 

C  =  Number  of  cylinders. 
S  =  Angular  velocity  of  crank  shaft  in  rev- 
olutions per  minute. 

Having  ascertained  the  number  of  power 
strokes  per  minute,  the  horsepower  is  found  by 
the  formula, 

PLAN 

H.P  = 

33,000 


352  The  AviomobUe  Handbook 

P  =  Mean  effective  pressure  (M.  E.  P.). 

L  =  Length  of  stroke  in  feet. 

A  =  Area  of  piston  in  sq.  in. 

N  =  Number  of  power  strokes  per  minute. 
This  formula  does  not  discriminate  betwe 
mechanical  friction  and  losses  in  ** fluid''  fr 
tion.  A  formula  that  is  more  arbitrary  a: 
that  fits  the  majority  of  cases,  requiring  or 
the  use  of  a  few  facts,  such  as  diameter  of  c: 
inder,  length  of  stroke,  and  revolutions  per  m 
ute,  is  presented  as  follows: 

VXN 

H.P  = 

10,000 

in  which 

V  =  volume  of  cylinder  in  cu.  inches. 
N  =  number  of  power  strokes  per  min. 

The  constant  used  varies  from  9,000  to  14,0 
depending  upon  certain  types  of  engines;  10,0 
bein^  an  average  figure  for  four  cycle  engint 
Tlie  brake  horsepower  will  be  from  65  to  85  p 
cent  of  the  result  obtained ;  80  per  cent  may 
taken  as  an  average.  As  an  example  we  mi 
lake  a  four-eycle,  four-cylinder  motor  4V^i 
bore  and  -^Y^-m.  stroke  making  1,200  pow 
str()k(^s  i)er  minute.  Volume  (V)  of  eylind 
ecjuals  area  of  piston  15.9  sq.  in.  X  length 
strokes  414=71.55  cu.  in.,  and  multiplying  tl 
by  1,200  (N)  and  dividing  the  product  by  1 
000  trives  8.05  IT.R  Taking  80  per  cent  of  tl 
as  the  brake  horsepower  the  result  is  6.44  H 


The  Automobile  Handbook  353 

From  a  theoretical  standpoint  a  two-cycle  ex- 
plosive motor  should  not  only  have  as  great  a 
speed,  but  also  be  capable  of  developing  almost 
twice  the  power  that  a  four-cycle  motor  does. 
It  is  a  fact  nevertheless  that  its  actual  perform- 
ance is  far  different. 

The  horsepower  of  a  two-cycle  motor  may  be 
calculated  from  the  following  formula, 

D^XSXN 

H.P= 

21,000 
in  which 

I>^diameter  of  cylinder  in  inches. 
S=stroke  of  piston  in  inches. 
N=number  of  revs,  per  minute. 

Example :  Required,  the  horsepower  of  a  two- 
cycle  motor  of  4:y2  inches  bore  and  stroke,  with 
a  speed  of  900  revolutions  per  minute. 

Answer:  The  square  of  the  bore  multiplied 
by  the  stroke  is  equal  to  91.125,  which  multi- 
plied by  900,  and  divided  by  21,000,  gives  3.91 
as  the  required  horsepower.  The  results  given 
by  the  above  examples  agree  very  closely  with 
those  obtained  from  actual  practice. 

Horsepower,  Electrical.  One  electrical  horse- 
power is  equal  to  the  current  in  amperes  multi- 
plied by  the  electro-motive  force  or  voltage  of 
the  circuit  and  divided  by  746. 

Let  C  be  the  current  in  amperes  and  E  the 
voltage  of  the  circuit.  If  E.  H.  P.  be  the  re- 
quired electrical  horsepower,  then 


354  The  Automobile  Handbook 

EXC 
E.H.P= 


746 

In  practice  with  motors  of  small  power,  1,000 
watts  are  necessary  to  deliver  one  mechanical 
or  brake  horsepower  at  the  driving  shaft  of  the 
motor. 

If  the  actual  or  brake  horsepower  of  an  elec- 
tric motor  be  known,  the  eflSciency  of  the  motor 
may  be  readily  found  by  the  following  formula : 

If  E  be  the  voltage  of  the  circuit  and  C  the 
current  in  amperes  consumed  by  the  motor,  let 
B.  H.  P  be  the  brake  horsepower  of  the  motor 
and  e  the  eflSciency  of  the  motor,  then 

B.H.P  X  746 

e  = 

EXC 

Table  10  gives  the  electrical  horsepower  of 
motors  with  voltage  from  20  to  100  volts,  and 
current  strengths  from  10  to  80  amperes. 

The  mechanical  eflSciency  of  a  motor  may  be 
found  by  use  of  the  table  as  follows 

Example:  Required  the  mechanical  eflSciency 
of  a  40-volt,  60-ampere  motor,  which  is  rated 
b3'  its  maker  as  of  3.25  horsepower — ^the  motor 
when  under  full  load  using  80  amperes. 

Answer :  Reference  to  the  column  in  the  table 
corresponding  to  40  volts  and  60  amperes  gives 
3.22,  while  the  80  ampere  column  gives  4.29. 
Then  3.22  divided  by  4.29  gives  0.75,  or  75  per 
cent,  as  the  mechanical  eflSciency  of  the  motor. 


■  The  Automobile  Handbook  355 

Ignition  STstrane. 

Ignition.  Id  order  that  an  explosive  motor 
lay  operate  economically,  and  with  the  highest 
ere  en  t  age  of  efficiency,  it  is  absolutely  neces- 
iry  that  two  objects  shall  be  attained,  viz.:  A 


Fig.   154 
Doll  and  Timer  Ignition  With  Storage  Battery 


irrect  mixture  of  the  gasoline  and  air,  and  that 
lis  mixture  be  correctly  ignited  at  the  proper 


Tke  Automobile  Handbook 


Fig.  15B 


Coll  and  Timer  With  Dry  Cells.  A,  Switch.  B, 
Dry  Cells.  C,  Condenser.  D,  Timer.  E,  Con- 
tacU.  F,  Armature.  O,  Core  ot  Coll.  H,  Pri- 
mary Winding.  I,  High  Tension  Winding.  J, 
Spark  Plug. 


Coll  Vibrator  Principle.  A,  Core  of  Coll.  B,  Arma- 
ture ot  Coll  Magnet.  C,  Adjusting  Screw.  D^ 
Trembler  Blade.     E,  Contacts. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


357 


Fig.  157 

Coil  Vibrator  Details.  A,  Adjustment.  B,  Tension 
Spring.  C,  Trembler  Blade.  D,  Holding  Screw. 
E,  Contact  Bridge.  F,  Contact  Blade.  G,  Lock- 
ing Screw, 


358 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


EMERGENCY 
BATTERY  OF 
6-ORY  CELLS 


STORAGE 
BATTERY 


Fig.   158 
Connecticut  Storage  Battery  Ignition  Wiring 


iCnmoN  dWTCH 


@^ 


T 


antrs0e 


itmtton 

COIL 


Fig.   159 
Circuits   Through    Remy   Battery   Ignition   Syatai 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


359 


Induction  Coil.  Induction  is  the  process  by 
which  a  body  having  electrical  or  magnetic 
properties  calls  forth  similar  properties  in  a 
neighboring  body  without  direct  contact.  This 
property  is  known  as  self-induction,  and  is 
caused  by  the  reaction  of  different  parts  of  the 
same  circuit  upon  one  another,  due  to  varia- 
tions in  distance  or  current  strength.  The  cur- 
rent produced  by  an  induction  coil  has  a  very 
high  electro-motive  force,  and  hence  great 
power  of  overcoming  resistance. 


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X 


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\  '  •*    ^-^y    •••    *•*' 

SWITCH     ♦       -^ 


INDUCTION  COIL 


Pig.  160. 

If  a  current  of  electricity  be  caused  to  flow 
through  a  straight  conductor  forming  a  part  of 
a  closed  electric  circuit,  lines  of  force,  com- 
monly called  magnetic  whirls  or  waves,  are  in- 
duced in  the  air  and  rotate  around  the  conduc- 
tor. 

If  the  current  of  electricity  be  flowing  in  the 
circuit  and  through  the  straight  conductor  from 


360  The  Automobile  Hmdbook 

right  to  left,  as  shown  in  the  upper  view  in  Fig. 
160,  the  lines  of  force  or  magnetic  whirls  will 
rotate  around  the  conductor  from  left  to  right, 
or  in  the  direction  of  the  hands  of  a  clock.  On 
the  other  hand,  if  the  conditions  be  reversed 
and  the  current  flows  from  left  to  right  the  lines 
of  force  or  magnetic  whirls  will  rotate  from 
right  to  left,  as  shown  in  the  lower  view  in  Fig. 
160.  The  direction  of  rotation  of  these  lines 
of  force  or  magnetic  whirls  may  be  positively 
determined  by  the  use  of  a  galvanometer,  an 
electric  testing  instrument  having  a  needle  simi- 
lar in  appearance  to  that  of  an  ordinary  com- 
pass. Upon  placing  this  instrument  in  the 
path  of  the  lines  of  force  and  making  and 
breaking  the  battery  circuit  by  means  of  the 
switch,  the  needle  of  the  galvanometer  will  be 
deflected  from  its  zero  point  in  the  direction  of 
the  rotation  of  the  lines  of  force.  If  the  direc- 
tion of  the  flow  of  the  electric  current  through 
the  circuit  be  changed  by  reversing  the  poles  of 
the  battery,  the  needle  of  the  galvanometer  will 
be  deflected  from  its  zero  point  in  the  opposite 
direction.  Whether  these  lines  of  force  or  mag- 
netic whirls  rotate  continuously  around  the  wire 
has  not  been  demonstrated.  They  rotate  with 
sufficient  force  to  be  tested  by  the  galvanometer 
only  until  the  electric  current  in  the  closed 
circuit  has  reached  its  maximum  value  after 
closing  the  circuit;  that  is  to  say,  only  during 
the  infinitesimal  space  of  time  required  by  the 
current  to  reach  its  full  value  or  power. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


361 


If,  instead  of  a  straight  conductor,  a  loop  of 
insulated  wire,  in  the  form  of  a  circle,  be  until- 
ized  for  the  passage  of  the  current,  as  at  A  and 
B  in  Fig.  161,  the  lines  of  force  will  still  rotate 
aVound  the  wire  as  shown,  their  direction  being 
dependent  on  the  direction  of  the  electric  cur- 
rent.    If  the  electrical  circuit  be  provided  with 


Fig.  161 

a  current  reverser,  or  device  for  changing  the 
battery  connections  in  the  circuit  from  positive 
to  negative  and  vice  versa,  the  lines  of  force  can 
be  made  to  rotate  rapidly  first  in  one  direction 
and  then  in  the  other,  as  indicated  in  Fig.  160. 
Suppose  this  loop  of  insulated  wire  be  com- 
posed of  a  great  number  of  turns,  it  then  be- 


362  The  Automobile  Handbook 

comes  a  coil  or  closed  helix,  and  as  all  the  lines 
of  force  cannot  pass  between  the  turns  of  the 
electrical  conductor  forming  this  helix  they 
must  pass  completely  through  the  helix  instead 
of  rotating  around  a  single  loop,  as  at  A  and  6, 
Fig.  161.  If  the  current  flows  through  the  con- 
ductor in  the  direction  indicated  by  the  ar- 
rows, at  C  in  Fig.  161,  and  over  and  around  the 
coil  in  the  direction  shown,  the  lines  of  force 
will  flow  through  the  coil  towards  the  observer, 
and  complete  their  path  or  circuit  through  the 
air,  returning  into  the  coil  at  the  opposite  end. 
If  the  current  be  reversed  and  flow  around  the 
coil  in  the  direction  of  the  hands  of  a  clock,  the 
lilies  of  force  will  flow  through  the  coil  in  the 
opposite  direction,  that  is,  away  from  the  ob- 
server, as  at  D,  Fig.  161. 

This  form  of  coil  or  closed  helix  may  be  des- 
ignated as  the  primitive  form  of  an  electro- 
magnet. "When  forming  part  of  a  closed  elec- 
tric circuit  it  possesses  the  property  of  magnet- 
izing a  bar  of  wrought  iron  placed  within  it. 
If  a  short  round  bar  of  wrought  iron  be  placed 
a  short  distance  within  the  coil,  and  the  battery 
circuit  be  closed,  the  iron  bar  will,  if  the  cur- 
rent is  sufficiently  strong,  be  sucked  or  drawn 
into  the  center  of  the  coil,  and  a  considerable 
effort  will  be  required  to  withdraw  it. 

The  object  of  the  bundle  of  soft  iron  wires, 
which  form  the  core  of  any  form  of  spark  coil, 
is  to  increase  the  magnetic  effect  of  the  lines  of 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


363 


force  or  magnetie  flux,  or  rather  to  reduce  the 
resistance  to  their  passage  through  the  coil. 

As  has  been  previously  stated,  when  a  current 
of  electricity  flows  through  a  conductor  of  wire 
forming  a  coil  or  closed  helix,  Jines  of  force  are 
induced  and  flow  through,  and  also  around  the 
exterior  of  the  coil.  In  a  like  manner,  when  the 
electric  circuit  is  broken,  the  lines  of  force  sud- 
denly reverse  their  direction,  and  travel  through 
the  coil  with  a  tremendous  velocity  until  they 


Fig.    162 
Principle  ol  Atwater  Kent  Battery  Ignition 

reach  a  state  of  neutralization.  During  this  re- 
verse travel  of  the  lines  of  force  through  the 
coil,  a  current  of  electricity  is  induced  in  the 
vpinding  of  the  coil,  but  in  the  opposite  direction 
to  that  in  which  the  battery  current  was  flowing. 
The  effect  of  this  induced  current,  which  is  of 
far  greater  intensity  or  pressure  thaii  the  bat- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


.  The  Automobile  Handbook  366 

tery  current  which  induced  it,  is  to  form  an  arc 
or  spark  at  the  breaking  point  in  the  circuit. 

Secondary  Spark  Coil.  Fig.  163  shows  the 
secondary  or  jump-spark  form  of  coil.  It  is 
composed  of  an  iron  core  and  a  primary  winding 
similar  to  that  described  in  conjunction  with 
Fig.  162,  with  the  addition  of  an  outer  winding 
of  many  turns  of  fine  wire.  This  wire,  of  very 
small  size,  is  known  as  the  secondary  winding, 
varying  in  diameter  from  No.  36  to  No.  40  B.  & 
S.  Gauge,  and  in  length  from  5,000  to  10,000 
feet.  In  the  drawing  the  induction  coil  is 
shown  equipped  with  an  electro-magnet  make 
and  break,  or  vibrator  device,  which  is  the  form 
mostly  used  for  ignition  purposes.  The  other 
form,  known  as  the  plain  jump-spark  coil,  has  a 
mechanically  operated  make  and  break  device 
attached  to  the  motor  to  operate  the  coil. 

The  arc  or  spark  produced  at  the  breaking 
point  of  the  electrical  circuit  in  which  the  pri- 
mary winding  of  the  coil  is  connected  is  not 
utilized  for  ignition  purposes  in  this  type  of  coil. 
When  the  circuit  is  broken  the  sudden  reaction 
or  backward  flow  of  the  lines  of  force  or  mag- 
netic flux  in  the  iron  core  produce  an  induced 
current  in  the  secondary  winding,  but  in  the 
opposite  direction  to  that  of  the  battery  cur- 
rent. This  induced  current  is  of  so  much 
greater  intensity  and  velocity  than  that  induced 
in  the  primary  winding  by  this  same  reaction, 
that  the  arc  or  spark  induced  in  the  secondary 
winding  of  the  coil  will  jump  across  a  space 


366  The  Automobile  Handbook 

from  one  end  of  the  wire  to  the  other,  varj 
from  Ys  inch  to  as  much  as  8  or  10  inche 
length,  dependent  upon  the  length  of  wir( 
the  secondary  circuit,  the  electro-motive  f( 
of  the  battery  and  the  frequency  of  the  in 
ruptions  or  number  of  times  per  minute 
electric  circuit  is  made  and  broken. 

Referring  to  Fig.  163  A  is  the  core,  B  the 
mary  winding  and  C  the  secondary.     The 
coils  are  held  in  place  upon  the  core  by 
washers  D.     The  primary  wire  B  is  wound  ( 
a  paper  tube  E,  and  the  secondary  wire  C  is 
sulated  from  the  primary  wire  by  a  mica  ii 
lating  tube  F.     The  coil  proper  is  enclosed 
wood  case  G. 

The  terminals  or  binding  posts  on  top  of 
case  G  are  connected  with  the  ends  of  the 
ondary  wire  1  and  2.  The  secondary  termi 
are  plainly  indicated  by  the  letter  S*.  In 
base  H  of  the  coil  case  is  the  condenser  J, 
essential  feature  of  this  form  of  coil,  wJ 
utilizes  the  induced  primary  current  to*  prod 
a  greater  reactive  energy  in  the  second 
winding. 

At  the  right-hand  end  of  the  coil  and  oufc 
the  casing  G  is  located  the  electro-magnetic 
brator  or  trembling  device,  which  automaticj 
makes  and  breaks  the  primary  circuit.  1 
end  3  of  the  primary  wire  is  connected  with ' 
contact  screw  K  through  the  bracket  L.  1 
spring  M,  carried  by  the  bracket  N,  with  ser 
0,  is  connected  with  the  terminal  or  bindi 


The  Automobile  Handbook  367 

post  P,  immediately  beneath  it,  by  the  wire  6 
through  the  bracket  N.  The  end  4  of  the  pri- 
mary wire  is  connected  with  another  terminal 
or  binding  post  P,  at  the  other  end  of  the  base 
of  the  coil.  The  condenser  J  is  connected 
across  the  contact  points  of  the  screw  K  and 
the  spring  M,  by  the  wires  5  and  6  and  screws 
Q  and  X.  The  condenser  is  composed  of  a  num- 
ber of  sheets  of  tinfoil  V,  laid  between  sheets 
of  specially  insulated  paper  I,  with  the  opposite 
end  of  every  alternate  sheet  of  tinfoil  projecting 
from  the  paper  insulation,  as  shown.  These 
projecting  ends  are  connected  together,  and  by 
the  wires  5  and  6  to  the  contact  screw  K  and 
spring  M,  respectively,  as  previously  described. 
When  the  coil  is  connected  in,  or  forms  part 
of  a  closed  electric  circuit  by  means  of  the  ter- 
minal or  binding  posts  P,  on  the  base  of  the 
coil,  the  current  flows  through  the  primary 
winding  B.  This  instantly  produces  a  high  de- 
gree of  magnetism  in  the  core  A,  and  the  pole- 
piece  T  of  the  core  extension  R  becomes  strongly 
magnetic  and  attracts  the  iron  button  W  of  the 
spring  M.  This  draws  the  spring  M  away  from 
the  end  of  the  screw  K,  and  in  consequence 
breaks  the  electric  circuit.  This  results  in  the 
demagnetizing  of  the  pole-piece  T  and  the  con- 
sequent return  of  the  spring  M  to  its  normal 
position  in  contact  with  the  end  of  the  screw  K. 
So  long  as  the  electric  circuit  remains  closed 
this  operation  is  repeated  at  a  very  high  rate 
of  speed.     The  effect  of  this  continuous  opera- 


368  The  Automobile  Handbook 

tion  of  the  coil  is  to  produce  an  intermittent 
current  in  the  secondary  winding  of  high  inten- 
sity and  velocity.  If  wires  are  placed  in  the 
holes  in  the  small  terminals  or  binding  posts  on 
the  top  of  the  coil  and  brought  within  a  short 
distance  of  each  other,  a  stream  of  sparks  will 
pass  from  one  wire  to  the  other  in  a  peculiar  zig- 
zag manner  and  emit  a  loud,  crackling  noise, 
accompanied  by  a  peculiar  odor,  caused  by  the 
formation  of  ozone  through  the  electro-chemical 
action  of  the  spark. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances  the  arc  or 
spark  which  occurs  on  the  breaking  of  the  con- 
tact between  the  platinum  points  of  the  screw 
K  and  spring  M  would  not  be  utilized,  but  by 
means  of  the  condenser  in  the  base,  which  is 
connected  to  these  parts,  as  before  described, 
the  static  charge  of  electricity  generated  by  this 
action  is  stored  in  the  condenser.  When  the 
contact  is  again  made  this  stored  electric  energy 
is  given  up  or  discharged  by  the  condenser  and 
flows  through  the  primary  winding  of  the  coil 
in  connection  and  in  the  same  direction  as  the 
battery  current  and  increases  the  magnetic  ef- 
fect of  the  core  A  enormously. 

The  construction  and  operation  of  the  con- 
denser is  fully  described  under  the  heading 
Condenser,  It  should  be  understood  that  this 
is  one  of  the  most  important  elements  of  the 
ignition  system,  whether  battery  or  magneto 
type,  and  its  care  should  never  be  neglected  if 
eflfident  ignition  is  desired. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  369 

Ignition — Timing.  In  timing  the  ignition  of 
a  motor  one  should  base  his  operations  on  one 
particular  cylinder,  and  this  should  be  the  most 
accessible  one.  Let  it  be  assumed  that  a  me- 
chanic is  required  to  test  or  correct  the  timing 
of  a  four-cyli^der,  four-cycle  vertical  engine. 
He  would  have  to  know. the  order  in  which  the 
cylinders  fired,  and  how  to  find  the  firing  center 
of  No.  1  cylinder.  As  the  operation  of  the 
valves  on  most  motors  may  be  readily  seen,  the 
firing  center  and  the  order  in  which  the  cylin- 
ders fire  can  be  easily  learned  from  the  action 
of  either  set.  For  instance,  if  on  turning  the 
motor  over  slowly  the  intake  valve  of  No.  1 
cylinder  opens  and  closes,  then  that  of  No.  3 
cylinder,  and  following  No.  3  that  of  No.  4  op- 
erates, the  mechanic  need  go  no  further,  for  he 
knows  that  the  engine  fires  1-3-4-2.  The  ex- 
haust valves,  of  course,  may  be  used  in  the  same 
way.  However,  if  the  valves  are  entirely  en- 
closed, as  on  the  Winton  cars,  open  the  priming 
or  relief  cocks,  and  beginning  with  cylinder  No. 
1  note  the  order  in  which  the  air  is  forced  out 
through  the  cocks.  There  are  two  rules  for 
finding  which  cylinder  is  on  its  firing  center, 
that  are  based  on  the  action  of  the  valves ;  these 
are  as  follows:  When  an  exhaust  valve  is  open 
the  following  cylinder  is  about  to  fire.  When 
an  intake  valve  is  open  the  previous  cylinder  is 
about  to  fire.  One  very  simple  method  of  find- 
ing the  firing  center  of  a  cylinder  is  to  open 
the  priming  cocks  of  all  the  cylinders  but  one. 


37(>  The  Automobile  Handbook 

turn  the  motor  over  slowly  till  compression  is 
encountered,  open  the  cock,  insert  a  stiff  wire 
till  it  rests  on  the  piston  head,  then  carefully 
bring  the  piston  to  the  top  of  its  stroke.  The 
cylinder  will  then  be  on  its  firing  center.  "When 
the  firing  center,  and  the  order  in  which  the  cyl- 
inders fire  are  known,  all  that  remains  to  be 
done  in  timing  an  engine  is  to  set  the  revolving 
segment  of  the  commutator  or  distributer  so 
that  a  spark  will  occur  in  the  proper  cylinder 
when  the  spark  control  lever  is  advanced  about 
one-third  or,  with  the  spark  control  lever  fully 
retarded,  and  the  piston  about  i/^  to  1  inch 
down  on  the  explosion  stroke,  set  the  segment 
so  that  it  just  begins  to  make  contact. 

Many  troubles  arise  from  faulty  or  defective 
insulation. 

A  wire  placed  too  close  to  an  exhaust-pipe 
invariably  fails  after  a  time,  owing  to  the  insu* 
lation  becoming  burnt  by  the  heat  of  the  pipe. 

A  loose  wire  hanging  against  a  sharp  edge 
will  invariably  chafe  through  in  course  of  time. 

If  the  insulation  of  the  coil  breaks  down  it 
cannot  be  repaired  on  the  road,  it  should  be  re- 
turned to  the  makers.  A  slight  ticking  is 
usually  audible  inside  the  coil  when  this  occurs. 

All  wires  where  joined  together  should  be 
carefully  soldered,  the  joints  being  afterwards 
insulated  with  rubber  or  prepared  tape.  Never 
make  a  joint  in  the  secondary  wires.  See  that 
all  terminals  are  tightly  screwed  up.  When 
connecting  insulated  wire,  the  insulation  must 


The  Automobile  Handbook  371 

be  removed,  so  that  only  the  bare  wire  is  at- 
tached. Wires  sometimes  become  broken,  and 
being  loose  make  only  a  partial  contact. 

Battery  terminals  frequently  become  cor- 
roded ;  they  should  be  covered  with  vaseline, 
and  require  periodical  cleaning.  See  that  all 
connections  at  the  battery  are  clean  and  bright. 

The  porcelain  of  the  spark  plug  may  be 
cracked  and  the  current  jumping  across  the 
fracture.  The  points  may  be  sooty  and  require 
cleaning.  They  may  be  touching  and  require 
separating,  or  they  may  be  too  far  apart.  The 
usual  distance  between  the  points  is  about  one 
thirty-second  of  an  inch,  which  is  approxi- 
mately the  thickness  of  a  heavy  business  card. 

Clean  all  oil  and  dirt  from  the  commutator. 
Most  commutators  are  so  placed  as  to  give  the 
maximum  possible  opportunity  to  collect  oil 
and  dirt.  They  should  always  be  provided  with 
a  cover. 

In  course  of  time  dry  or  storage  batteries 
will  become  weak  or  discharged.  Always  carry 
an  extra  set. 

Spanners,  oil-cans,  tire-pumps,  etc.,  have  been 
known  to  get  on  the  top  of  the  batteries, 
thereby  connecting  the  terminals  together  and 
causing  a  short-circuit. 

The  platinum  contacts  of  the  coil  may  be- 
come corroded.  They  should  be  cleaned  with  a 
small  piece  of  emery  cloth  or  sandpaper. 


372  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Ignition,  Atwatcir  Kent.  This  device  is  de- 
signed to  draw  from  a  battery,  as  nearly  as 
possible,  only  the  electrical  energy  necessary 
to  ignite  the  charge,  and  to  keep  the  batteries 
until  the  energy  remaining  in  them  is  too  small 
to  produce  an  effective  spark.  Its  principal 
constituent  parts  are,  a  jump-spark  coil  and 
condenser,  a  primary  contact  maker,  the  time 
of  which  may  be  advanced  or  retarded,  and  a 
high  tension  distributer.  Its  distinguishing 
features  are — 

a.  But  one  spark  is  made  for  each  ignition. 

b.  The  primary  contact,  rupture  of  which 
produces  the  spark,  is  exceedingly  brief,,  no 
longer  in  fact  than  is  actually  required  to  build 
up  the  magnetism  in  the  core  of  the  spark  coil. 

c.  The  duration  of  this  contact  is  independ- 
ent of  the  engine  speed  in  the  same  way  that 
the  contact  of  the  ordinary  coil  vibrator  is. 

d.  Contact  is  made  and  broken  mechanically 
through  a  shaft  driven  by  the  engine,  conse- 
quently a  spark  may  be  obtained  from  a  bat- 
tery that  is  too  weak  to  operate  a  vibrator.  The 
mechanism  by  which  the  instantaneous  primary 
contact  is  produced  is  similar  to  a  snap  contact 
produced  by  a  small  sprin<2:-controlled  hammer 
pulled  out  of  position  by  a  ratchet  on  the  shaft. 
The  ratchet  has  as  many  tcfth  as  there  are  cyl- 
inders, and  runs  at  the  camshaft  speed.  When 
used  with  a  two-cycle  enrrine,  it  runs  at  the 
crankshaft  speed  if  there  are  four  cylinders.  If 
there  are  two  cylinders,  it  runs  at  half  the  en- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  373 

gine  speed  and  the  ratchet  has  four  teeth.  The 
ordinary  commutator  is  not  used  in  connection 
with  it,  but  a  driving  connection  must  be  made 
from  the  crankshaft  or  camshaft  to  the  vertical 
shaft  of  the  spark  generator  itself,  which  is 
mounted  on  the  back  of  the  dashboard. 

The  Atwater-Kent  system  consists  of  three 
parts:  1,  The  unisparker,  which  combines  the 
special  form  of  eontaet-maker,  which  is  the 
basic  principle  of  this  system,  and  a  high  ten- 
sion distributor. 


Fig.  164 
At  water  Kent  Timer  Before  Moving  Lever 

2,  The  coil,  which  consists  of  a  simple  pri- 
mary and  secondary  winding,  with  condenser — 
all  imbedded  in  a  special  insulating  compound. 
The  coil  has  no  vibrators  or  other  moving  parts. 

3,  The  ignition  switch. 

The  operation  of  the  unisparker  is  shown  in 
Pigs.  164  to  167.  This  consists  of  a  notched 
shaft,  one  notch  for  each   cylinder,  which  ro- 


374  The  Automobile  Handbook 

tales  at  one-half  the  engine  speed,  a  lifter  or 
trigger  which  is  pulled  forward  by  the  rotation 
of  the  shaft  and  a  spring  which  pulls  the  lifter 
back  to  its  original  position.  A  hardened  steel 
latch  and  a  pair  of  contact  points  complete  the 
device. 


Fig.  165 
Atwater  Kent  Timer  Before  Lever  Escapes ' 

The  figures  show  the  operation  of  the  con- 
tact-maker very  clearly.  It  will  be  noted  that 
in  Fig.  164  the  lifter  is  being  pulled  forward 
by  the  notched  shaft.  When  pulled  forvsrard  as 
far  as  the  shaft  will  carry  it,  Fig.  165,  the 
lifter  is  suddenly  pulled  back  by  the  recoil  of 
the  lifter  spring.  In  returning  it  strikes 
against  the  latch,  throwing  this  against  the  eon- 
tact  spring  and  closing  the  contact  for  a  very 
brief  instant — far  too  quickly  for  the  eye  to 
follow  the  movement,  Fig.  166. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  375 

Fig.  167  shows  the  lifter  ready  to  be  pulled 
forward  by  the  next  notch. 

Note  that  the  circuit  is  closed  only  during 
the  instant  of  the  spark.  No  current  can  flow 
at  any  other  time,  even  if  the  switch  is  left 
*'on"  when  the  motor  is  not  running. 

By  means  of  the  distributor,  which  forms  the 
upper  part  of  the  unisparker,  the  high-tension 
current  from  the  coil  is  conveyed  by  the  ro- 
tating distributor  block,  which  seats  on  the  end 
of  the  unisparker,  to  each  of  the  spark  plug 
terminals  in  the  order  of  firing. 


Pig.  166 
Atwater   Kent   Timer   With   Contacts   Closed 


Where  the  lighting  and  starting  battery  is 
used  for  ignition,  two  wires  from  the  ignition 
system  should  run  directly  to  the  battery  ter- 
minals. They  should  not  be  connected  in  on  any 
other  branch  circuit. 


376  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  automatic  type  is  cylindrical  in  Axpi 
and  consists  of  a  pressed  steel  casing  with  a 
hard  rubber  cap,  the  latter  forming  the  base 
of  the  high-tension  distributor.  The  device  is 
mounted  on  a  shaft  which  is  driven  at  half  the 
speed  of  the  crankshaft.  Within  the  casing  is 
located  the  mechanism,  consisting  of  the  gov- 
ernor which  automatically  controls  the  advance, 
the  circuit  breaker  and  high-tension  distribator. 


Atwater  Kent  Timer  With  Contacts  He-opened 


At  the  bottom  of  the  casing  is  the  Tjvemor, 
a  modification  of  the  centrifugal  type  which 
consists  of  two  pairs  of  weights,  each  pair  be- 
ing pivoted  together  at  their  cantors,  and  two 
double  arm  brackets.  When  the  shaft  starts 
to  revolve,  the  weights  extend  away  from  the 
center  and  the  arms  change  their  angular  re- 
lation in  direct  proportion  to  th&  speed  of  the 
driving  shaft. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  377 

In  order  that  the  weights  will  not  move  away 
from  the  center  too  easily  and  give  too  great 
an  advance  to  low  speeds,  the  brackets  carry- 
ing the  springs  are  so  arranged  that  the  weights 
have  to  act  against  them  when  obeying  the  im- 
pulse of  centrifugal  force,  and  moving  away 
from  the  axis  of  rotation.  Virtually  each 
weight  is  a  bell-crank  lever  with  one  point  of 
connection  pivoted  to  the  arm  and  the  other 
point  of  connection  pivoted  to  the  weight.  The 
four  weights  thus  give  four  bell-crank  levers 
working  in  the  same  direction  at  the  same  time 
against  the  four  respective  springs. 

In  timing  with  automatic  advance  the  piston 
in  No.  1  cylinder  should  be  raised  to  high 
dead  center,  between  compression  and  power 
strokes,  then,  with  the  clamp  which  holds  the 
unisparker  loose,  the  unisparker  should  be 
slowly  and  carefully  turned  backwards,  or 
counter  clockwise  (contrary  to  the  direction  of 
rotation  of  the  timer-shaft),  until  a  click  is 
heard.  This  click  happens  at  the  exact  instant 
of  the  spark.  Now  clamp  the  unisparker  tight, 
being  careful  not  to  change  its  i)osition. 

Now  remove  the  distributor  cap,  which  fits 
only  in  one  position,  and  note  the  position  of 
the  distributor  block  on  the  end  of  the  shaft. 
The  terminal  to  which  it  points  is  connected  to 
No.  1  cylinder.  The  other  cylinders  in  their 
proper  order  of  order  of  firing  are  connected  to 
the  other  terminals  in  turn,  keeping  in  mind  the 
direction  of  rotation  of  the  timer  shaft. 


378  The  Automobile  Handbook 

When  timed  in  this  manner  the  spark  oc- 
curs exactly,  on  ** center"  when  the  engine  is 
turned  over  slowly.  At  cranking  speeds  the 
.governor  automatically  retards  the  spark  for 
safe  starting,  and  as  the  speed  increases,  the 
spark  is  automatically  advanced,  thus  requir- 
ing no  attention  on  the  part  of  the  driver. 

The  first  operation  in  timing  the  hand  ad- 
vance unisparker  is  to  crank  the  engine  until 
the  piston  of  No.  1  cylinder  is  on  high  dead 
center  between  the  compression  and  power 
strokes. 

The  unisparker  is  then  placed  on  the  shaft, 
the  advance  rod  from  the  steering  post  being 
connected  to  the  lug  on  the  side  of  the  uni- 
sparker, which  is  provided  for  that  purpose. 

The  position  of  the  spark  advance  lever  on 
the  steering  wheel  sector  should  be  within  "^ 
inch  of  full  retard,  and  the  connecting  levers 
should  be  such  as  to  give  the  unisparker  a 
movement  of  at  least  45  degrees  to  60  degrees 
for  the  full  range  of  spark  advance. 

After  the  spark  lever  is  connected  up  and  the 
unisparker  is  in  position  it  should  be  left  loose 
at  the  driving  gear,  and,  with  the  motor  on 
dead  center  as  above  directed,  the  shaft  of  the 
unisparker  should  then  be  turned  forward  or 
in  the  same  direction  as  that  in  which  the  timer 
shaft  normally  rotates,  until  a  click  is  heard, 
at  which  point  it  should  be  set  by  tightening 
the  driving  connection. 

Tbp  contact  points  are  the  only  adjustable 


The  Automobile  Handbook  379 

feature  of  the  unisparker.  These  points  should 
never  touch  when  engine  is  at  rest  and  the 
space  between  them  should  vary  from  1/100 
to  1/64  of  an  inch,  depending  upon  the  strength 
of  the  batteries,  spark,  heat  required,  etc.  The 
spark  can  be  made  hotter  by  decreasing  the  dis- 
tance, and  current  can  be  economized  by  in- 
creasing it.  Once  or  twice  a  season  these  con- 
tacts should  be  examined  and  should  be  kept 
flat  and  bright  by  means  of  a  small  file  or 
emery  cloth  on  a  stick.  The  proper  adjustment 
when  starting  with  new  batteries  is  about  1/32 
of  an  inch,  if  dry  cells  are  used.  If  storage 
battery  is  used,  it  may  be  ijecessary  to  reduce 
this  a  little.  At  intervals  of  six  or  eight  hun- 
dred miles  of  service  as  the  batteries  decrease 
in  strength,  these  contacts  should  be  closed  from 
a  quarter  to  a  half  turn,  or  until  regular  fir- 
ing is  obtained.  Do  not  attempt  under  any  cir- 
cumstances to  adjust  the  tension  of  the  springs. 

Frequently  when  high-tension  wires  are  run 
from  the  distributor  to  the  spark  plugs  through 
metal  or  fibre  tubing,  trouble  is  experienced 
with  missing  and  back-firing,  which  is  due  to 
induction  between  the  various  wires  in  the  tube. 
This  trouble  is  especially  likely  to  happen  if 
the  main  secondary  wire  from  the  coil  to  the 
center  of  the  distributor  runs  through  this  tube 
with  the  spark-plug  wires. 

"Wherever  possible,  the  distributor  wires 
should  be  separated  by  at  least  I/2  i^i^h  of  space 
and  should  be  supported  by  brackets  or  insu- 


380 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


lators  rather  than  rtm  through  a  tube.  In  no 
case  should  the  main  distributor  wire  be  run 
through  a  conduit  with  the  other  wires. 

If  irregular  sparking  is  noted  at  all  plugs, 
examine  first  the  battery  and  connection  there- 
from.    If  the  trouble  commences  suddenly,  it 


Pie.  168 
Connecticut  Igniter  Head 
ie  probably  diie  to  a  loose  connection  in  the 
wiring.  If  gradually,  the  batteries  may  be 
wi'iiki'iiing  or  the  contact  points  may  require 
altciition.  See  that  the  contacts  are  clean  and 
bright,  and  also  that  the  moving  parts  are  not 
gummed  with  oil  or  rusted. 


The  Automobile'  Handbook  381 

l^gnition,  Coimectlou.t.  The  Connecticut  an- 
tomatic  igniter  system,  Fig.  168,  produces  a 
single  spark  upon  a  break  occurring  in  the  pri- 
mary circuit  which,  though  being  closed,  has 
energized  a  coil.  This  break  is  effected  in  the 
igniter  by  means  of  a.  cam  revolving  against  a 
breaker  arm.  The  high  tension  spark  is  dis- 
tributed in  the  same  instrument.  The  igniter 
is  mounted  on  a  vertical  shaft  running  at  half 
engine   speed    irrespective    of   the    number   ol 


Fig. 

Connecticut  Breaker  Mecbanlem 
cylinders.  The  breaker  arm  is  insulated  from 
the  base.  This  provides  a  metallic  circuit;  or 
in  other  words,  no  engine  ground  need  be  uti- 
lized in  the  primary  or  battery  circuit,  as  the 
primary  winding  is  insulated  from  the  second- 
ary ground  in  the  coil.  In  this  case  there  is 
no  possibility  of  the  ignition  being  affected 
through  grounding  or  shorts  in  any  other  cir- 


382 


The  Automoiile  Handbook 


cuit  of  the  car,  such  as  disarrangement  in  lij 
ing  or  starting  systems. 

The  igniter  may  be  taken  apart   and  r 
sembled  without  the  aid  of  any  tools.     The 
tributor  ease  can  be  removed  by  unsnapping 
two  spring  clips  on  the  side,  thus  exposing 
distributor    arm    carrying    the    carbon    bn 
Fig.  169,  which  can  be  slipped  off  the  sh 


Fig.   170 
Connecticut   Distributor  Rotor 


Then  remove  cotter  pin  passing  through  s 
and  the  dust  proof  cover  carrying  the  uj 
})earing  can  be  taken  off  and  the  breaker 
complete,  Fig.  170,  can  be  lifted  from  the  si 
As  the  shaft  is  not  disturbed  the  timing  i 
no  way  affected  when  the  igniter  is  reassem 
on  the  shaft. 


The  AutomoiUe  Handbook  383 

The  system  is  not  recommended  for  use  on 
dry  cells  except  as  an  emergency,  but  is  de- 
signed to  operate  from  a  storage  battery 
charged  by  a  dynamo. 

The  automatic  switch  of  the  Connecticut 
automatic  igniter  system  is  a  feature  that  is 
individual  to  this  system  and  unique  in  igni- 
tion apparatus.  Its  function  is  to  kick  oflf  the 
switch  should  the  primary  circuit  be  closed  an 
unwarranted  length  of  time,  as  in  the  case  of  a 
car  being  left  with  the  switch  on  the  engine 
stopped.  This  will  prevent  the  draining  of 
batteries. 

Another  purpose  is  to  protect  the  ignition 
wiring  should  a  disarrangement  occur  in  the 
lighting  or  starting  circuit  and  an  excessive 
and  destructive  amount  of  current  be  introduced 
into  the  ignition  circuit. 

The  circuit  is  closed  in  the  automatic  switch 
through  contacts  of  the  plunger  type.  These 
plungers  are  held  in  contact  by  a  slotted  lock- 
ing plate.  This  plate  is  released  by  the  '*off" 
button  on  the  switch;  or  in  cases  of  prolonged 
or  excessive  flow  of  current,  by  a  vibrating 
magnetic  release  thermostatically  effected.  The 
construction  is  such  that  no  amount  of  outside 
vibration  or  jar  can  in  any  way  affect  the  lock- 
ing plate. 

This  automatic  ''kick  off"  is  accomplished 
thermostatically  and  is  a  mechanism  that  has 
been  employed  for  many  years  in  telephone 
switches. 


384  The  Automobile  Handbook 

To  time  the  igniter,  turn  the   engine  o^ 
with  petcoeks  open,  until  the  piston  of  the  f 
cylinder  has  reached  the  top  of  the  comp: 
sion  stroke.     Now  advance  the  spark  lever 
the  steering  wheel  about  three-quarters  of 
way.     Remove    distributor   cap,    then    set 
igniter  on  driving  shaft  with  set  screws  lo< 
connect  advance  lever,  turn  hub  of  igniter 
shaft  in  direction  of  rotation  until  contact  poi 
are  just  open,  which  is  the  point  at  which 
spark   takes   place,   then  tighten  the   hub 
screws.     Replace  the  distributor  cap,  carefi 
noticing  which  segment  of  the  distributor 
brush  is  opposite,  for  this  is  the  connectioi 
the  spark  plug  of  No.   1   cylinder.      Com 
up  the  balance  of  the  spark  plugs  in  their 
ing  order.     After  connecting  all  wires  you 
then   ready   to   try   out   the   ignition.      Bei 
cranking,   fully  retard  your  spark  lever. 
suit  individual  requirements,  it  may  be  ne 
sary   to   slightly   advance   the  igniter   hub 
greater  speed  is  required,  or  slightly  retar( 
for  very  slow  speed. 

This  igniter  is  completely  housed  and  j 
t(icted.  Little  care  is  required  to  keep  it 
working  condition.  About  every  four  or 
thousand  miles  the  distributor  cap  should 
removed  and  wiped  out.  On  the  ball-beai 
igniter,  the  distributor  arm  should  be  w 
drawn  and  one  or  two  drops  and  no  men 
good  oil  injected  into  the  hole  in  the  end 
the   shaft  which   carries  the   distributor  c 


The  Automobile  Handbook  385 

This  will  lubricate  the  lower  ball-bearing.  No 
other  parts  need  oiling.  Care  should  be  taken 
to  see  that  oil  does  not  reach  the  contact  points. 
On  the  plain  bearings  or  self-lubricating  type, 
the  bearings  require  no  attention  whatever. 

The  contact  points  will  probably  require  no 
attention  until  run  at  least  ten  thousand  miles 
and  in  some  cases  they  may  operate  for  over 
thirty  thousand  miles  without  attention. 

The  points  do  not  require  refiling  or  clean- 
ing even  though  they  may  be  very  rough  and 
irregular,  but  when  they  become  so  badly 
burned  as  to  cause  missing  they  should  then  be 
renewed,  in  which  case  proceed  as  follows: 

Remove  the  distributor  cap  and  arm,  discon- 
nect advance  lever  and  wires,  remove  cotter  pin 
in  igniter  shaft,  then  spring  washer  and  fibre 
washer,  and  lift  the  housing  from  its  shaft. 

The  contact  adjustment  screw  will  be  noticed 
under  the  dust  ring,  it  being  locked  from  turn- 
ing by  a  hexagon  nut  on  the  screw  inside  near 
the  end.  Care  should  be  taken  to  see  that  this 
nut  is  tightened  up  snugly  after  making  a  re- 
placement or  adjustment.  When  it  is  necessary 
to  adjust  these  points  they  should  be  set  so 
that  when  the  roller  rests  on  the  point  of  the 
cam,  they  open  about  the  same  as  a  magneto 
interrupter.  It  is  not  necessary,  however,  to 
make  this  adjustment  as  accurately  as  on  a 
magneto.  The  adjustable  contact  screw  can 
be  removed  by  taking  oflf  the  lock-nut  and  then 
screwing  it  back  out  of  the  housing. 


386  The  Automoiile  Handbook 

The  contact  on  the  breaker  arm  is  riveted 
into  it  and  a  complete  new  arm  is  necessary  in 
making  a  replacement. 

This  arm  can  be  readily  removed  by  taking 
out  the  small  cotter  pin  in  the  end  of  the  stud 
on  which  it  moves,  remove  small  fibre  washers 
and  the  arm  can  then  be  lifted  out. 

When  replacing  the  arm  on  the  stud  before 
putting  the  cotter  pin  in  place,  be  sure  and  re- 
place the  little  fibre  washers  which  rest  on  the 
top  of  the  arm  just  under  the  little  cotter  pin 
and  the  fibre  washer  on  the  stud  in  the  bottom 
of  the  cup. 

Ignition,  Delco.  The  Delco  system  of  bat- 
tery ignition  makes  use  of  a  combined  breaker 
and  distributor  usually  mounted  on,  and  driven 
from,  the  lighting  dynamo  or  motor-djrnamo. 
In  some  installations  the  ignition  unit  is  placed 
by  itself,  but  the  construction  and  operation  is 
the  same  in  either  case. 

The  distributor  and  timer  are  driven  through 
a  set  of  spiral  gears  attached  to  the  armature 
shaft  or  its  extension.  The  distributor  con- 
sists of  a  cap  or  head  of  insulating  material, 
carrying  one  high-tension  contact  in  the  center, 
with  similar  contacts  spaced  equi-distant  about 
the  center,  and  a  rotor  which  maintains  con- 
stant communication  with  the  central  contact. 

The  rotor  carries  a  contact  button  which 
sends  the  secondary  circuit  to  the  spark  ping 
in  the  proper  cylinder. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  387 

Beneath  the  distributor  head  and  rotor  is  the 
ler,  Pig.  171,  which  is  provided  with  a  acrew 
the  center  of  the  shaft,  the  loosening  of  which 


Fig.  171 
Ico  Ignttion  Head  Breaker.  A,  Cam  Holding 
Screw.  B,  Battery  Current  Coo  tacts.  C, 
Breaker  Cam.  D,  Resistance  Wire  Spool.  B, 
Cam  Contact  Levers.  M,  Dynamo  Current  Con- 
tacts. 


0W8  the  cam  to  be  turned  in  either  direction 
secure  the  proper  timing,  turning  in  a  clock- 
ae  direction  to  advance  and  counter-clock- 
ae  to  retard. 


388  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  spark  occurs  at  the  instant  the  timer 
contacts  are  opened. 

The   adjustment  screw  must  always  be  set 
down  tight  after  the  cam  is  adjusted. 

The  same  weight  which  operates  tho  arm  on 
the  regulating  resistance  also  operates  the  auto- 
matic spark  control.  In  addition  to  the  auto- 
matic spark  control,  a  manual  spark  control 
is  provided,  which  is  operated  by  the  lever  on 
the  steering  column,  and  is  connected  to  the 
lever  at  the  bottom  of  the  motor  generator. 
The  manual  spark  control  is  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  the  proper  ignition  control  for  vari- 
able conditions,  such  as  starting,  differences  in 
gasoline  and  weather  conditions.  The  auto- 
matic control  is  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the 
proper  ignition  control  necessary  for  the  varia- 
tions due  to  speed  alone. 

The  resistance  unit  is  a  coil  of  resistance  wire 
wound  on  a  porcelain  spool.  Under  ordinary 
conditions  it  remains  cool  and  offers  little  re. 
sistance  to  the  passage  of  current.  If  for  any 
reason  the  ignition  circuit  remains  closed  for  any 
considerable  length  of  time,  the  current  passing 
through  the  coil  heats  the  resistance  wire,  in- 
creasing its  resistance  to  a  point  where  very  lit- 
tle current  passes,  and  insuring  against  a  waste 
of  current  from  battery  and  damage  to  the  igni- 
tion coil  and  timer  contacts.  When  the  arm 
that  cuts  the  regulating  resistance  into  the 
shunt  field  circuit  is  at  the  top  position  (that 
is,  at  high  speeds),  the  resistance  unit  is  cut 


The  Automobile  Handbook  389 

out  of  the  ignition  circuit.  This  increases  the 
intensity  of  the  spark  at  high  speeds. 

To  time  ignition:  Fully  retard  the  spark 
lever.  Turn  the  engine  so  that  upper  dead 
center  on  flywheel  is  about  one  inch  past  dead 
center  with  No.  1  cylinder  on  the  firing  stroke. 
Loosen  screw  in  center  of  timing  mechanism 
and  locate  the  proper  lobe  of  the  cam  by  turn- 
ing until  the  button  on  the  rotor  comes  under 
the  high  tension  terminal  for  No.  1  cylinder. 
Set  this  lobe  of  the  cam  so  that  when  the  back 
lash  in  the  distributor  gears  is  rocked  forward 
the  timing  contacts  will  be  open,  and  when  the 
back  lash  is  rocked  backward  the  contacts 
will  just  close.  Tighten  screw  and  replace  rotor 
and  distributor  head. 

If  the  motor  fires  properly  on  the  ''M''  but- 
ton, but  not  on  the  **B*'  button,  the  trouble 
must  be  in  the  wiring  between  the  dry  cells  or 
the  wires  leading  from  the  dry  cells  to  the  com- 
bination switch,  or  depleted  dry  cells. 

If  the  ignition  works  on  the  **B''  button  and 
not  on  the  **M"  button,  the  trouble  must  be 
in  the  leads  running  from  the  storage  battery 
to  the  motor-generator,  or  the  lead  running 
from  the  rear  terminal  on  the  generator  to  the 
combination  switch,  or  in  the  storage  battery 
itself,  or  its  connection  to  the  frame  of  the  car. 

If  both  systems  of  ignition  fail  and  the  sup- 
ply of  current  from  both  the  storage  battery 
and  dry  cells  is  ample,  the  trouble  must  be  in 
the  coil,  resistance  unit,  timer  contacts  or  con- 


390  The  Automoiile  Handbook 

denser.  This  is  apparent  from  the  fact  that 
these  work  in  the  same  capacity  for  each  sys- 
tem of  ignition. 

The  following  directions  for  upkeep  apply  in 
a  general  way  to  the  **M''  or  **Mag''  igni- 
tion on  all  of  the  Delco  systems,  but  dp  not 
apply  to  the  dry  battery  ignition. 

The  contact  points  are  of  tungsten  metal, 
which  is  very  hard  and  requires  a  very  high  tem- 
perature to  melt.  These  should  be  kept  clean  and 
smooth  on  the  faces.  This  can  be  done  by  hold- 
ing in  a  vice  and  using  fine  emery  cloth  held 
underneath  a  flat  file.  They  should  be  so  ad- 
justed that  when  they  are  open  they  are  apart 
ten-thousands  of  an  inch  and  the  contact  arm 
should  move  about  fifteen-thousands  of  an 
inch  after  the  contacts  close. 

The  most  common  causes  of  contact  trouble 
are  due  to  the  following:  (1)  Resistance 
unit  shorted  out,  resulting  in  excessive  current 
through  the  contacts,  especially  at  low  speeds. 
(2)  Abnormally  high  voltages  due  to  run- 
ning without  the  battery  or  with  a  loose  con- 
nection in  the  battery  circuit.  (3)  A  broken 
down  condenser. 

T\w  distributor  head  should  be  properly  lo- 
('at(Ml,  that  is  with  the  locating  tongue  of  the 
li()l(l-(lown  clip  in  the  notch  on  the  distributor 
lioad.  Tlie  lioad  should  be  kept  wiped  clean 
fi'oiii  dust  and  dirt  and  in  some  cases  it  is 
advisable  to  lubricate  this  head  with  a  small 
amount  of  vaseline. 


The  Automobile  Bandhooh 


391 


The  rotor  should  be  kept  free  from  dust  and 
dirt  and  the  rotor  button  polished  bright.  The 
rotor  button  should  be  fully  depressed'  before 
putting  on  the  distributor  head  to  make  mire 


the  spring  will  allow  the  button  to  go  down  to 
the  proper  level  and  not  subject  it  to  undue 
pressure  on  the  distributor  head. 


392  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Remy  Battery  System.  This  make  of  igni- 
tion equipment  is  furnished  in  two  principal 
types,  one  of  which  might  be  called  *' magneto 
type"  and  the  other  one  a  ** vertical  ignition 
head.'' 

The  magneto  type  equipment,  Fig.  172,  bears 
a  very  close  resemblance  to  the  breaker  and  dis- 
tributor end  of  a  separate  unit  magneto,  being 
composed  of  a  distributor  having  terminals  for 
the  spark  phig  leads  and  below  the  distributor 
a  breaker  exactly  similar  in  construction  to  that 
with  magnetos.  In  connection  with  this  unit 
a  two-way  switch  is  used,  giving  either  dry  bat- 
tery or  generator  as  a  source  of  ignition  current. 
To  transform  the  current  to  one  of  high-ten- 
sion a  separate  coil  is  used. 

This  coil  differs  from  ordinary  coil  construc- 
tion inasmuch  as  both  ends  of  the  primary  wind- 
ing are  insulated,  so  that,  in  the  event  of  a 
ground  occurring  in  the  lighting  or  starting  cir- 
cuits, the  ignition  will  be  unaffected.  The  coil 
is  provided  with  a  safety  gap  as  a  further 
means  of  protection. 

The  coil  is  wound  for  six  volts  and  is  to  be 
used  in  connection  with  a  storage  battery  or 
with  five  dry  cells.  The  coil  is  to  be  mounted 
on  the  crankcase  within  6  or  8  inches  of  the 
breaker  points  as  the  condenser  is  incorporated 
in  the  coil  and  not  on  the  generator.  A  special 
top  plate  is  provided  to  securely  hold  coil  in 
position. 

The  circuit  breaker  platinum  points  may  be 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


393 


inspected  by  removing  the  Bakelite  housing 
cover.  The  points  should  have  a,  smooth,  clean, 
fiat  surface  at  all  times.  The  break,  or  gap,  of 
these  points  should  be  from  15  to  20  thou- 
sandths of  an  inch.  The  circuit  breaker  may, 
if  desired,  be  removed  without  the  aid  of  tools. 
The  high-tension  current  is  distributed  to  the 
spark  plug  cables  by  means  of  a  hard  carbon  ' 
brush  making  contact  with  distributor  segments. 
Neither  distributor  nor  brush  will  require  any 
attention  whatsoever. 


Ftg.  173 
Hemy  Vertical   Ignltloi 


An  oiler  is  provided  for  the  distributor  shaft, 
— only  a  few  drops  of  light  oil  every  one  thou- 
sand miles  will  suffice. 

The  use  of  spark  plugs  which  permit  of  the 
points  being  adjusted  to  a  definite  gap  is  recom- 
mended. The  gap  between  the  points  should  be 
from  20  to  25  thousandths  of  an  inch. 


394  The  Automobile  Handbook 

If  the  motor  misses  when  running  idle  or 
pulling  light,  the  plug  gaps  should  be  wider. 
If  motor  misses  at  high  speed  or  when  pulling 
heavy  at  low  speed,  the  plug  gaps  should  be 
made  closer. 

The  vertical  ignition  head  consists  of  a  com- 
bined breaker  and  distributor  mounted  in  one 
case,  Fig.  173,  and  adapted  to  be  driven  from  a 
vertical  shaft  usually  on  or  near  the  lighting 
dynamo. 

Some  of  these  distributors  have  a  manual  ad- 
vance for  the  spark,  while  some  are  built  with 
a  mechanism  which  automatically  advances  the 
spark  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  engine 
upon  which  it  is  installed. 

The  high-tension  current  is  distributed  to  the 
spark  plug  leads  by  a  segment  which  revolves 
close  to,  but  does  not  touch,  the  pins  in  the  dis- 
tributor head. 

Either  iridium-platinum,  tungsten  or  silver  is 
used  in  the  contact  points,  the  choice  depending 
upon  which  is  best  suited  to  the  installation. 

The  coil  furnished  with  this  system  has  a  spe- 
cial ventilating  base  which  may  be  bolted  se- 
curely to  the  engine  frame.  Its  current  con- 
sumption is  limited  by  a  resistance  located  on 
top  of  the  coil  and  which  is  in  series  with  the 
primary  winding. 

The  metal  base  of  the  coil  makes  an  electrical 
connection  with  the  engine  or  car  frame  for  one 
side  of  the  secondary  winding.  Therefore,  it  is 
very  important  before  mounting  the  coil  to  see 


The  Automobile  Handbook  395 

that  all  foreign  matter,  such  as  dirt,  grease, 
paint,  etc.,  is  removed  from  the  place  where  the 
coil  is  to  be  mounted.  It  is  also  very  important 
that  the  base  of  the  coil  be  fastened  down  se- 
curely at  all  times. 

The  switches  furnished  with  this  equipment 
are  arranged  to  reverse  the  direction  of  current 
flow  through  the  circuit  breaker  each  time  the 
ignition  is  used. 

It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  ignition 
switch  be  placed  in  the  V*off"  position  when  the 
engine  is  not  running.  If  it  is  left  in  the  **on" 
position,  current  from  the  storage  battery  will 
be  dissipated  in  the  ignition  coil  which,  if  con- 
tinued, will  exhaust  the  battery. 

By  an  insulated  system  is  meant  one  in  which 
the  circuit  breaker  is  not  grounded.  By  glanc- 
ing at  the  wiring  diagram  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  circuit  from  the  switch  around  through  the 
breaker  box  and  back  to  the  switch  again  is  not 
grounded,  and  that  the  switch  reverses  the  di- 
rection of  the  current  flow  through  this  circuit 
at  each  quarter  turn. 

If  the  insulation  is  worn  off  any  one  of  the 
wires  and  the  copper  touches  any  of  the  metal 
parts  of  the  car,  a  short  circuit  will  result  which 
will  either  render  the  system  inoperative  by 
burning  out  a  fuse  or  will  discharge  the  bat- 
tery. A  periodical  inspection  should  be  made  of 
all  wiring  to  see  that  it  is  not  rubbing  or  chafing 
on  any  of  the  metal  parts  of  the  car  and  that  all 
connections  are  tight  and  secure. 


396  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  contact  screw  should  be  adjusted  with 
the  wrench  furnished  with  the  system,  so  that 
the  maximum  opening  of  the  points  is  .020  to 
.025  inch,  or  the  thickness  of  the  piece  riveted 
upon  the  side  of  the  wrench.  The  rebound 
spring  should  be  at  least  .020  of  an  inch  from 
tlie  breaker  arm  when  the  points  are  at  their 
maximum  opening. 

To  obtain  the  best  results  the  spark-plug  gaps 
should  be  adjusted  to  .025  of  an  inch. 

Ignition,  Westinghouse.  Dual  ignition  is 
obtained  in  the  Westinghouse  system;  that  is, 
the  ])attery  is  an  independent  source  of  supply, 
as  well  as  the  generator  operating  with  the  bat- 
tery, while  the  interrupter,  ignition  coil  and 
distributer  are  common  to  both. 

The  interrupter  is  so  constructed  that  the 
period  of  contact  is  practically  the  same  at  any 
speed.  The  spark  voltage,  therefore,  does  not 
fall  off  at  higli  speeds,  but  is  practically  the 
same  at  all  speeds. 

Automatic  spark  advance  is  a  feature  of  the 
Wc'stingliouse  generator.  The  automatic  ai* 
ynnci'  works  over  a  range  of  45°.  Provision  is 
made  for  manual  operation  also,  and  it  is  recom- 
m('ii(l(Hl  that  this  hi*  connected  up,  but  the  spark 
h'Vf'r  need  not  ordinarily  be  touched  after  the 
original  adjustment,  the  automatic  device  taking 
faro  of  all  adjustments  in  running. 

Tlie  interrupter  is  mounted  on  the  generator 
shaft  and  contacts  are  operated  by  a  centrifngal 
device  that  automaticallv  adiusts  the  spark  ad- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


397 


vanee  to  the  speed,  keeps  the  period  of  contact 
nearly  constant  at  all  speeds  and  prevents  any 
inequality  between  the  two  interruptions  that 
occur  in  succession  during  each  revolution. 


Fis-  174 
Weatlngbouse  Ignition  and  Lighting  Dynamo 

The  ignition  outfit  consists,  in  addition  to  the 
lighting  system  and  storage  battery,  of  a  dis- 
tributer and  an  interrupter,  which  are  made  a 
part  of  the  generator.  Fig.  174,  and  an  ignition 
coil  and  switch.  The  ignition  coil  transforms 
the  six  volts  of  the  battery  up  to  the  high  ten- 
sion required  for  the  spark  plugs.  The  inter- 
rupter closes  and  then  opens  the  ignition  cir- 
cuit at  each  half  revolution  of  the  generator 
shaft,  and  the  distributer  directs  the  high-ten- 
sion current  to  each  of  the  spark  plugs  in  suc- 
cession. 


398  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  operation  of  the  ignition  system,  indad- 
in^  the  intermpter  and  distributer,  ignition  coil 
and  switch,  begins  with  the  "making"  of  the  ■ 
primary  circuit  of  the  coil  when  the  centrifugal 
weights  push  down  the  fibre  bumper,  allowing 
the  interrupter  contacts  to  close.  Fig.  175.  Then 
the  weight  moves  off  the  fibre  bumper,  allowing 
the  contacts  to  suddenly  separate  or  open,  when 
a  high  voltage  is  induced  in  the  secondary  oE 
the  ignition  coil  and  directed  by  the  distributer 


Pig.  175 
Weatlnghouse    Ignition    Breaker,    Low    Speed    Po- 

Bition 
to  the  proper  spark  plug,  causing  a  spark.  Aa 
the  speed  of  the  engine  increases,  the  weights 
are  thrown  out  from  the  center  and  automatic- 
ally advance  the  time  of  closing  or  openii^  the 
interrupter  contacts,  and  hence  advance  the 
spark,  Fig.  176.  At  the  same  time,  due  to  their 
sbapc,  they  keep  the  contacts  closed  during  a 
greater  part  of  the  revolution  when  running  at 
high  speed;  this  makes  the  period  of  contact 


The  Automobile  Handbook  399 

practically  the  same  at  all  speeds  and  prevents 
the  spark  voltage  from  falling  off  at  high 
speeds. 

To  connect  the  ignition  system  to  the  circuit, 
insert  the  ping  into  the  ignition  switch  and 
move  the  switch  handle  to  the  "on"  portion. 


i 


Fig.   17  S 
WestlnghouBe   Ignition    Breaker,    High    Speed    Po- 

In  inserting  the  ignition  plug  pay  no  attention 
to  the  position  of  the  brass  contact  pieces  on 
the  plug.  It  is  desirable  that  the  contacts  will 
average  up  as  often  in  one  as  in  the  other  of  the 
two  possible  positions,  as  this  reverses  the  direc- 
tion of  the  current  through  the  interrupter  con- 
tacts and  greatly  increases  their  life. 

The  spark  plug  should  be  set  with  slightly  less 
than  1/32  inch  between  tips  for  best  operation. 
Oily  or  carbonized  plugs  will  often  cause  miss- 
ing, and  if  dirty,  they  should  be  well  brushed 
i^c|e  and  outside  with  gasoline  and  wiped  per- 


400  The  Automobile  Handbook 

fectly  dry.  A  crack  in  the  insulating  material 
will,  of  course,  probably  lead  to  failure  of  spark 
in  the  cylinder. 

The  interrupter  stop  is  adjusted  so  as  to  give 
the  proper  pressure  on  the  bumper.  When  the 
engine  is  not  running  and  the  weights  are  in  a 
closed  position,  there  should  be  a  space  of  3/64 
inch  between  the  bunmer  lever  and  the  stop. 
After  the  stop  is  adjusted,  the  contact  screw 
should  be  adjusted  by  means  of  a  wrench,  so 
that  with  the  cam  lever  against  the  upper  stop, 
the  contacts  are  open  .005  inch.  After  setting 
for  this  separation,  tighten  the  clamping  screw 
so  that  the  contact  screw  is  held  firmly.  Be  sure 
that  the  contacts  open  up  positively  and  that 
the  moving  element  moves  clear  up  against  the 
upper  stop  when  released,  with  some  spring  ten- 
sion still  remaining  to  hold  it  in  this  position. 
See  that  the  contacts  are  kept  free  from  all  oil 
and  grit. 

Interrupter  weights  should  turn  freely  on 
their  supporting  pins  and  should  also  clear  the 
centrifugal  weight  spring  support  by  approxi- 
mately .01  inch.  They  should  show  no  lost  mo- 
tion between  the  two  interlocking  weights.  In 
making  any  readjustments,  be  careful  that  when 
the  engine  is  turned  over  very  slowly  by  hand, 
both  weights  depress  the  moving  part  of  the 
interrupter  enough  to  definitely  close  the  con- 
tacts, otherwise  there  will  be  a  tendency  to  miss 
fire  in  every  second  cylinder,  especially  at  low 
speeds  and  if  the  contacts  are  worn  more  or  less. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  401 

When  the  weights  are  in  the  inner  position, 
the  springs  should  just  touch  the  fibre-covered 
pins  on  the  weights  without  exerting  any  appre- 
ciable pressure  over  that  required  to  just  posi- 
tively return  the  weights  to  the  innermost  posi- 
tion. If  necessary  to  adjust  these  springs,  al- 
ways bend  the  supporting  arms  and  not  the 
springs  themselves. 

Distributer  brushes  should  slide  freely  in 
their  holders  and  the  springs  should  push  them 
out  so  as  to  extend  from  the  holder  about  % 
inch  when  the  distributer  plate  is  removed  from 
the  generator.  These  brushes  should,  however, 
be  retained  firmly  by  their  springs  so  as  to  never 
tend  to  fall  completely  out  of  the  tubes.  Be 
sure  that  both  these  brushes  are  in  place  in  the 
distributer. 

Distributer  plate  should  be  kept  clean  and 
free  from  carbon  dust  between  brushes  and  con- 
tact surfaces  by  an  occasional  wiping.  Any 
pitting  of  the  distributer  which  is  in  advance 
of  the  contacts,  indicates  that  the  distributer 
gear  is  set  one  tooth  or  so  too  far  back  against 
the  direction  of  its  rotation.  This  may  cause 
intermittent  firing  of  the  cylinders  at  the  higher 
speeds,  with  consequent  loss  of  power.  The 
gear  is  set  correctly  at  the  factory,  and  if  this 
setting  is  not  disturbed  the  above  trouble  will 
not  be  encountered. 

The  distributer  gear  is  meshed  with  the  pinion 
on  the  generator  shaft  so  that  the  mark  at  the 
edge  of  the  gear  lines  up  with  the  tooth  of  the 


402 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


pinion  that  is  slightly  beveled.  In  coupling  the 
generator  to  the  engine,  place  the  piston  of 
cylinder  No.  1  on  dead  center  at  the  end  of  the 
compression  stroke.  Remove  the  distributer 
plate  and  turn  the  generator  back  so  that  the 
line  of  the  distributer  brushholder  block  corre- 
sponds with  the  line  on  the  end  bracket.  Couple 
the  engine  and  generator  shafts  while  in  this 
position. 


's 


nilionlermindla 


istributor  Plate 


ntarupierCb 


Swiicb ,       M 

Tenninal »|a 


3e 

lnl«miplirC9dbicl» 


Fig.    177 
Westinghouse   Vertical   Ignition  Head 


The  Westinghouse  vertical  ignition  unit  can 
be  used  for  ignition  from  storage  batteries  or 
phiin   lighting  generators,  Fig.   177.     This  set 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


403 


contains  interrupter,  spark  coil  and  condenser, 
and  distributer,  all  in  one  unit.  One  wire  from 
the  battery  or  generator  to  the  ignition  unit  and 
one  wire  to  each  spark  plug  are  all  that  are 
required. 


lit  To 'Spark  Piugs 


'Oistributit  Brushes 


^iwMWMwwJ^  .Induction  Coil 


Interrupter 


f^^ 


□ 


To  Ignition  Unit 
Xondenm      w//^;,  ^y^nch 


Ignition 
witch 


fuse  Box 


Battery 


From  Battery 


Fig.  178 
Westinghouse  Vertical  Ignition  Wiring 


The  interrupter,  located  at  the  lower  end  of 
the  set,  has  the  same  type  of  circuit-breaker  as 
that  on  the  Westinghouse  ignition  and  lighting 


404  The  Automobile  Handbook 

generators,  but  no  automatic  spark  advance  fea- 
ture. It  can  be  used  equally  efficiently  for  either 
direction  of  rotation  without  charge.  The  in- 
terrupter is  enclosed  by  a  spring  collar  which 
can  be  readily  removed  for  inspection  or  adjus^ 
raent  of  the  contacts.  The  Collar  makes  a  tight 
joint  and  is  clamped  by  a  screw  which  prevents 
it  from  slipping.    See  wiring  diagram,  Fig.  178. 

The  Westinghouse  Ford  vertical  ignition  unit 
is  made  up  of  four  essential  parts,  namely,  the 
interrupter,  the  condenser,  the  induction  coil, 
and  the  distributer,  all  included  in  one  case. 

The  operation  of  the  interrupter  can  be  ob- 
served by  loosening  the  thumbscrew  and  sliding 
upward  the  loose  section  of  the  insulation  case, 
which  forms  the  interrupter  cover. 

With  the  ignition  switch  turned  to  the  ''on** 
position  and  the  engine  turning  over,  each  seg- 
ment of  the  interrupter  cam  in  turn  passes  on 
and  off  the  fibre  bumper.  As  each  cam  passes 
off  the  bumper,  the  interrupter  contacts  close, 
closing  the  circuit  from  the  battery  to  the  pri- 
mary winding  of  the  induction  coil.  Then  as 
they  pass  on  the  bumper,  the  contacts  are 
opened,  suddenly  opening  the  circuit,  thus  in- 
ducing a  high  voltage  in  the  secondary  of  the  in- 
duction coil.  This  voltage  is  directed  by  the 
distributer  on  the  top  of  the  ignition  unit  to 
the  proper  spark  plug,  causing  a  spark  at  the 
spark  gap  of  the  plug  inside  the  cylinder,  and 
igniting  the  charge  therein. 

The  contact  screw  should  be  adjusted  with  a 


The  Automobile  Handbook  405 

screwdriver  so  that,  with  the  cam  against  the 
bumper,  the  contacts  are  open  .008  inch. 

If  the  contacts  show  pitted  or  irregular  sur- 
faces they  should  be  smoothed  up  with  a  very 
fine  file,  making  certain  that  the  surfaces  come  to- 
gether squarely  after  adjustment  has  been  made. 

Ignition,  Magneto  Type.  Magneto  ignition 
makes  use  of  a  separately  mounted  machine 
having  its  own  armature  and  field  magnets  (per- 
manent magnets)  and  being  driven  from  the 
engine.  A  magneto  always  consists  of  a  rotat- 
ing member,  this  being  a  shuttle  wound  arma- 
ture in  most  cases,  or  simply  pieces  of  iron  in 
the  inductor  type.  This  rotating  member, 
through  the  change  in  the  path  of  the  lines  of 
force  from  the  magnets,  produces  a  current  in 
a  coil  separate  or  on  the  armature  in  the 
shuttle  wound  form,  or  mounted  separately  in 
the  inductor  magneto.  This  current  rises  from 
zero  to  its  maximum  voltage  twice  for  each 
revolution  of  the  magneto  shaft,  one  impulse 
flowing  in  one  direction  through  the  windings 
and  the  next  one  (on  the  other  half  revolution) 
flowing  in  the  opposite  direction.  The  current 
from  a  magneto  always  reverses  its  direction  in 
this  way  and  is,  therefore,  an  alternating  cur- 
rent. The  current  from  a  lighting  dynamo  does 
not  reverse  its  direction  and  is  a  direct  current. 
For  this  reason  no  magneto  can  ever  be  used  for 
charging  a  storage  battery,  a  battery  requiring 
current  that  always  flows  in  one  direction 
through  the  circuit. 


406  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Combined  with  the  armature  and  the  perma- 
nent steel  magnets  that  provide  the  field  for 
the  magneto  is  a  breaker  mechanism  that  inter- 
rupts the  flow  of  current  through  the  circuit 
whenever  a  spark  is  desired;  and  also  a  dis- 
tributor that  carries  the  contacts  for  delivering 
the  high-tension  current  through  the  wires  that 
lead  to  the  spark  plug  in  the  cylinder  that  is 
ready  to  fire.  While  the  details  of  construction 
of  magnetos  differ  as  described  in  the  following 
pages,  all  types  contain  the  parts  described 
above.  A  shuttle  wound  armature  with  a  break- 
er mounted  on  its  shaft  is  shown  in  Fig.  179. 


Fig.  179 

Shuttle  Type  Magneto  Armature  With  Breaker 
The  breaker  may  take  any  one  of  several 
forms,  a  commonly  used  construction  being 
Kliown  in  Fig.  180.  The  circuit  is  completed 
through  the  contacts  A,  one  of  which  is  solidly 
numnted,  and  the  other  one  attached  to  the  mov- 
abl(?  arm  B.  The  arm  carries  a  fibre  block  that 
strikes  a  stationary  cam  when  it  is  revolved  on 
tlic  armafurc  shaft,  and  inasmuch  as  the  arm  i» 
pivoted,  the  contacts  are  separated  to  interrupt 
the  circuit  and  cause  a  spark  to  come  from 
tiif  winding  of  the  high  tension  coil  of  the  sy- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


407 


tem.  The  fine  winding  that  forms  the  high  ten- 
sion coil  may  be  wound  around  outside  of  the 
armature  windjng  on  the  shuttle  type,  or  may 
be  mounted  in  a  housing  separate  from  the 
magneto.  With  the  high  tension  coil  on  the 
armature,  the  magneto  is  self-contained  and  pro- 
duces a  spark  without  outside  parts,  being  called 
a  true  high  tension  magneto.  Those  magnetos 
using  outside  coils  generate  the  current  in  their 


Fig.  180 
Magneto  Breaker 


armature  and  send  it  through  the  heavy  wind- 
ing of  the  separate  induction  coil,  or  trans- 
former coil.  This  separate  coil  has  also  a  fine 
wire  winding  in  which  the  high  tension  spark 
plug  current  is  induced  by  the  breaking  of  the 
circuit  through  the  heavy  wire  when  the  break- 
er on  the  magneto  opens. 

The  system  known  as  "single  ignition,"  when 
using  a  magneto,  comprises  a  true  hi 


408  The  Automobile  Handbook 

machine  from  which  wires  lead  to  the  spark 
plugs.  The  only  other  wire  required  is  one  to 
the  switch  that  will  allow  the  driver  to  stop  the 
production  of  sparks  by  connecting  the  arma- 
ture winding  to  the  frame  of  the  car,  or  ground- 
ing it.  No  other  source  of  current  is  provided 
with  single  ignition. 

** Double  ignition'*  provides  a  true  high-ten- 
sion magneto,  as  described,  and  in  addition,  a 
complete,  and  entirely  separate,  battery,  timer 
and  coil  system  with  a  separate  set  of  spark 
plugs  and  wiring. 

**Dual  ignition*'  uses  a  magneto  similar  to 
the  single  ignition  high-tension  type,  but  pro- 
vides an  additional  breaker  and  induction  coil 
through  which  current  may  be  led  from  a  set 
of  dry  cells  or  a  storage  battery,  thus  providing 
a  source  of  current  other  than  that  of  the 
magneto  armature  when  desired  for  starting  or 
emergency  use. 

** Transformer  coil  ignition"  makes  use  of  a 
magneto  that  produces  in  its  armature,  or  by 
inductor  action,  a  current  of  low  voltage  that 
is  led  to  a  separately  mounted  transformer,  or 
induction  coil.  The  coil  is  connected  by  wires 
to  the  breaker  and  distributor  on  the  magneto. 

How  TO  Remove  and  Replace  a  Magneto. 
When  about  to  replace  or  remove  a  magneto  it 
is  well  to  see  that  all  separable  parts  are  prop- 
erly marked,  and  if  not,  mark  them.  This  may 
])e  done  with  a  ec^nter  punch,  cold  chisel,  letters 
or  numerals.     In  Fig.  181  is  shown  the  guide 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


409 


ks  generally  used  in  connection  with  a  high- 
iion  magneto  of  a  four-cylinder  motor.  The 
:er  punch  marks  C,  on  the  Oldham  coupling 
1  as  is  usually  employed  on  the  magneto 
:t  between  the  magneto  and  its  driving  gear, 
e  as  a  guide  in  replacing  the  magneto.  All 
;  is  necessary  in  replacing  a  high-tension 
jneto  so  marked  on  a  four-cylinder,  four- 
e  motor  is  to  see  that  the  marks  are  directly 
osite  each  other;  but  in  two  or  six-cylinder 
ors,  where  the  crankshaft  and  the  armature 
he  magneto  do  not  run  at  the  same  speed, 
)  must  be  taken  either  not  to  move  the 
ikshaft  while  the  magneto  is  off  or  to  check 
the  timing  before  it  is  replaced.  In  the 
e  illustration  is  shown  the  method  of  mark- 


Fig.  181 


the  timing  gears.  These  marks  are  made 
1  a  cold  chisel  and  are  generally  present  in 
to-date  construction. 


410  The  Automobile  Handbook 


Figs.  182  and  183 
Bosth  Hij-'h  Tension  Magneto,  Type  "DU".  !. 
Annatiiro  End  I'late  for  Primary  Wlndtng  Con- 
noi'iion.  2,  Hreiiker  Fastening  Screw.  3. 
nrpiikcr  Contact  Hlock.  4,  Breaker  Disc,  S. 
iMXtt-  Pliitlniiin  Contact  Screw.  6,  Short  Platt- 
niiiii  foiilact  Sctpw.  7,  Flat  Spring  for  Breakrr 
l.cvcr.  8,  Hrnaker  I.ever.  9,  Condenser,  li>. 
Colletlor  Ring  for  High  Tension  Current.  II. 
lEi«li  TenKiou  Carbon  Bruali.  12,  Carbon  Brush 
Holder,  i:!,  Condiirlor  Itar  Terminal.  14,  Con- 
ductor Bar.  13,  TliBlributor  Brush  Holder.  16. 
niBiriliuiiir  Ciirbnii  lirusli.  17,  Distributor  Plate. 
IS.  Cfdtra]  Coiiriict  on  Distributor.  19,  Brass 
KfKitifnt.  I'll,  Terminal  for  Spark  Plug  Wire. 
L'1.  Sicid  Breaker  Cam.  22,  Dust  Cover.  24, 
tlrouiirliiif.'  Terminal.  25.  Distributor  Block 
lloliliiis  S|>riiiK.  116.  Uronker  Timing  Lever. 
1  17.  lireaker  Cov(-r.  IIR.  Conducting  Spring  for 
fli.jujulirii.-  Tcrminul.  119,  Breaker  Cover  Hold- 
irif.   Hi.riny:. 


The  Aulomobile  Handbook 


411 


Bosch  Magnetos.  The  Bosch  high  tension 
magneto.  Pig.  182,  generates  its  own  high-ten- 
sion current  directly  in  ihe  armature  winding 
and  without  the  use  of  a  separate  coil  or  other 
apparatus.  Apart  from  the  cables  connecting 
the  magneto  to  the  plugs,  the  Bosch  high-ten- 
sion magneto  requires  no  external  connections. 


Fig.  183 


The  armature  carries  two  windings.  The  pri- 
mary consists  of  a  few  layers  of  heavy  wire  and 
the  secondary  of  a  great  number  of  layers  of 
fine  wire.  One  end  of  the  primary  winding  ia 
grounded  on  the  armature  core,  and  the  live  end 
is  brought  out  to  a  circuit-breaking  device.  The 
grounded  end  of  the  secondary  winding  is  con- 


412  The  Automobile  Handbook 

nected  to  the  live  end  of  the  primary  winding 
so  that  one  is  a  continuation  of  the  other. 

During  certain  portions  of  the  rotation  of  the 
armature  the  primary  circuit  is  closed,  and  the 
variations  in  magnetic  flux  have  their  effect  in 
inducing  an  electric  current  in  it.  When  the 
current  reaches  a  maximum,  which  will  occur 
twice  during  each  rotation  of  the  armature,  the 
primary  circuit  is  broken,  and  the  resulting  ar- 
mature reactions  produce  a  high-tension  current 
of  extreme  intensity  in  the  secondary  winding. 
This  current  is  transmitted  to  a  distributer  by 
means  of  which  it  passes  to  the  spark  plug  of 
the  cylinder  that  is  in  the  firing  position. 

The  magneto  interrupter.  Fig.  183,  is  fitted 
into  the  end  of  the  armature  shaft  which  is 
taper-bored  and  provided  with  a  key-way.  The 
interrupter  is  held  in  position  by  a  fastening 
screw,  and  may  easily  be  removed.  In  replacing 
it,  care  should  be  taken  that  the  key  fits  into 
the  key-way  and  that  the  fastening  screw  is 
well  tightened. 

Twice  during  each  revolution  of  the  armature 
the  primary  circuit  closes  and  opens,  this  being 
effected  by  the  interrupter  lever  coming  in  con- 
tact with  a  steel  segment,  which  is  supported 
on  the  interrupter  housing.  When  the  magneto 
interrupter  lever  is  not  being  acted  upon  by  the 
steel  segment,  the  platinum  points  are  in  con- 
tact, thus  closing  the  primary  circuit.  Then 
as  the  armature  rotates  farther  and  the  inter- 
rupter lever  again  comes  in  contact  with  a  seg- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


413 


ment,  the  platinum  points  (interrupter  eon- 
tacts)  open  and  thus  interrupt  the  primary  eir- 
cuit.  At  the  opening  of  the  contact  the  ignition 
spark  occurs  instantaneously. 

The  distance  between  the  platinum  points 
when  the  magneto  interrupter  lever  is  fully  de- 
pressed by  one  of  the  steel  segments  must  not 
exceed  1/32  inch.  This  distance  may  be  adjusted 
by  means  of  a  long  platinum  screw,  and  should 
be  in  accordance  with  the  steel  gauge  that  is 
pivoted  to  the  adjusting  wrench. 


Magneto 
Interrupter 


Fig.   184 
High  and  Low  Tension  Circuits  of  Bosch  Magneto 


The  connections  of  the  magneto,  Fig.  184, 
consist  of  a  high-tension  cable  from  the  dis- 
tributor to  each  spark  plug,  and  a  low-tension 
cable  leading  to  the  switch. 

In  order  to  protect  the  insulation  of  the  arma- 
ture and  of  the  current-carrying  parts  of  the 


414  The  Automobile  Handbook 

apparatus  against  excessive  voltage,  a  safety 
spark  gap  is  arranged  on  the  dust  CQver.  It 
consists  of  a  short  pointed  brass  rod  set  on  the 
dust  cover,  and  a  second  pointed  brass  part  sup- 
ported a  short  distance  from  it  in  the  center  of 
the  stealite  cover  of  the  housing.  The  insulated 
point  is  connected  into  the  secondary  circuit, 
and  should  there  be  any  interference  with  the 
circuit  normally  provided  through  the  spark 
plug  the  safety  spark  gap  provides  a  i)oint  of 
discharge. 

If  a  spark  is  observed  passing  in  the  safety 
spark  gap  it  is  an  indication  that  there  is  an 
interruption  in  the  regular  secondary  circuit, 
and  the  cause  should  be  at  once  investigated. 

A  simple  test  for  the  magneto  is  to  disconnect 
the  grounding  cable  from  grounding  terminal 
and  also  to  disconnect  the  spark  plug  cables. 
The  motor  should  then  be  cranked  briskly,  and 
the  safety  spark  gap  closely  observed.  If  sparks 
are  seen  at  this  point,  it  is  an  absolute  indica- 
tion that  the  magneto  is  in  proper  ox>erating 
condition.  If  no  sparks  are  observed  it  will  be 
necessary  to  make  sure  that  the  primary  cir- 
cuit is  properly  interrupted  by  the  magneto  in- 
terrupter. Holding  spring  must  be  moved  side- 
ways, interrupter  housing  cover  taken  off,  and 
it  must  be  ascertained  whether  fastening  screw 
is  well  tightened.  After  this  it  should  be  ob- 
served whether  the  platinum  points  are  in  con- 
tact when  the  steel  cams  are  not  acting  on  the 
magneto   interrupter  lever,   also  whether  tbey 


The  Automobile  Handbook  415 

paxate  the  correct  distance,  l/25th  inch,  when 
e  interrupter  lever  is  resting  on  one  of  the 
eel  cams.  Otherwise  the  distance  must  be 
Ijusted  by  means  of  the  platinum  screw.  The 
atinum  contacts  must  be  examined  and  any 
1  and  dirt  removed;  in  case  the  contacts  are 
leven  (but  only  then)  they  must  be  smoothed 
ith  a  fine  flat  file.  If,  after  continued  use,  the 
atinum  contacts  are  completely  worn  down, 
e  two  platinum  screws  must  be  renewed. 
The  Bosch  dual  magneto  is  of  the  standard 
osch  type,  and  produces  its  own  sparking  cur- 
nt,  which  is  timed  by  the  revolving  inter- 
ipter.  The  parts  of  this  interrupter  are  car- 
ed on  a  disk  that  is  attached  to  the  armature 
id  revolves  with  it,  the  segments  that  serve 
I  cams  being  supported  on  the  interrupter 
msing. 

In  addition,  the  magneto  is  provided  with  a 
eel  cam  having  two  projections,  which  is  built 
to  the  interrupter  disk.  This  cam  acts  on  a 
ver  that  is  supported  on  the  interrupter  hous- 
Lg,  the  lever  being  so  connected  in  the  battery 
rcuit  that  it  serves  as  a  timer  to  control  the 
3W  of  battery  current  through  the  coil. 
It  is  obvious  that  the  sparking  current  from 
le  battery  and  from  the  magneto  cannot  be  led 
►  the  spark  plugs  at  the  same  time,  and  a  fur- 
ler  change  from  the  magneto  of  the  indepen- 
3nt  form  is  found  in  the  removal  of  the  con- 
acting  bar  between  the  collecting  ring  and  the 
istributer.     The  collecting  ring  brush  is  con- 


416  The  Automobile  Handbook 

nected  to  the  switch  and  a  second  wire  leads 
from  the  switch  to  the  terminal  that  is  centrally 
located  on  the  distributer. 

When  running  on  the  magneto  the  sparking 
current  that  is  induced  thus  flows  to  the  dis- 
tributer by  way  of  switch  contact.  When  run- 
ning on  the  battery  the  primary  circuit  of  the 
magneto  is  grounded,  and  there  is,  therefore, 
no  production  of  sparking  current  by  the  mag- 
neto; it  is  then  the  sparking  current  from  the 
coil  that  flows  to  the  distributer  connection.  It 
will  thus  be  seen  that  of  the  magneto  and  bat- 
tery circuits  the  only  parts  used  in  common  are 
the  distributer  and  the  spark  plugs. 

The  end  plate  of  the  coil  housing  carries  a 
handle  by  which  the  switch  may  be  operated. 
By  means  of  this  switch  either  the  magneto  or 
the  battery  may  be  employed  as  the  source  of 
ignition  current,  and  in  its  operation  the  entire 
coil  is  rotated  within  the  housing.  The  inner 
side  of  the  stationary  switch  plate  is  provided 
with  spring  contacts  that  register  with  contact 
plates  attached  to  the  base  of  the  coil. 

For  the  purpose  of  starting  on  the  spark,  a 
vibrator  may  be  cut  into  the  coil  circuit  bv 
pressing  the  button  that  is  seen  in  the  center  of 
the  end  plate.  Normally,  this  vibrator  is  out 
of  circuit,  but  the  pressing  of  the  button  brings 
together  its  platinum  contacts  and  a  vibrator 
spark  of  high  frequency  is  produced.  It  will 
be  found  that  the  distributer  on  the  magneto  is 
then  in  such  a  position  that  this  vibrator  spark 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


417 


is  produced  at  the  spark  plug  of  the  cylinder 
that  is  performing  the  power  stroke ;  if  mixture 
is  present  in  this  cylinder  ignition  will  result 
and  the  engine  will  start. 


Pig.  185 
Bo9ch  Dual  System  Wiring  Diagram 

The  dual  system  requires  four  connections  be- 
tween the  magneto  and  the  switch.  Fig.  185; 
two  of  these  are  high  tension  and  consist  of  wire 
No.  3  by  which  the  high-tension  current  from 
the  magneto  is  led  to  the  switch  contact,  and 
wire  No.  4  by  which  the  high-tension  current 
from  either  magneto  or  coil  goes  to  the  distribu- 
tor. "Wire  No.  1  is  low  tension,  and  conducts 
the  battery  current  from  the  primary  winding 
of  the  coil  to  the  battery  interrupter.  Low-ten- 
sion wire  No.  2  is  the  grounding  wire  by  which 
the  primary  circuit  of  the  magneto  is  grounded 


418 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


when  the  switch  is  thrown  to  the  "off"  or  to 
the  battery  position.  Wire  No.  5  leads  from  the 
negative  terminal  of  the  battery  to  the  coil,  and 
the  positive  terminal  of  the  battery  is  grounded 
by  wire  No.  7 ;  a  second  ground  wire  No.  6  is 
connected  to  the  coil  terminal. 


rig.  186 

Method  of  Setting  Armature  of  Boech  Magneto 


The  timing  of  the  Bosch  Dual  Magneto  is 
identical  with  the  standard  type.  The  dual 
maf^neto  is  so  arranged  that  the  battery  inter- 
riipter  breaks  its  circuit  approximately  10  de- 
grees later  than  the  magneto  interrupter.;  this 
feature  gives  the  full  timing  range  of  the  mag- 
neto. "With  the  timing  lever  fuHy  retarded  and 
fhc  switch  on  the  battery  position,  the  battery 
spark  will   occur   after  the  piston  has  passed 


The  Automobile  Handbook  419      ♦ 

dead  center  and  is  moving  on  the  power  stroke. 
The  possibility  of  a  back  kick  is  thus  eliminated. 
The  magneto  should  be  placed  in  position  on 
the  bed  plate  or  pad  provided  for  it,  the  bolts 
or  straps  being  properly  secured;  the  driving 
gear  or  coupling,  however,  should  be  loose  on 
the  armature  shaft.  The  dust  cover,  which  is 
an  aluminum  plate  located  under  the  arch  of 
the  magneto,  should  then  be  removed,  and  this 
is  accomplished  according  to  the  design  of  the 
various  types  of  magnetos. 

The  engine  should  now  be  cranked  until  one 
of  the  pistons,  preferably  that  of  cylinder  No.  1, 
is  at  the  top  of  the  compression  stroke.  With 
the  engine  in  this  position,  the  armature  should 
be  rotated  by  hand  in  the  direction  in  which  it 
will  be  driven  until  it  is  approximately  in  the 
position  illustrated  in  Fig.  186.  The  setting  of 
the  armature  is  determined  by  the  dimension 
marked  B,  Fig.  186,  as  follows: 

''DU3''  ModeU. 11  to  14 mm. 

''DU4''  Model  4 13  to  15  mm. 

*'DU6''Model4 16  to  20  mm. 

'*DU3''Model4 Stbllmm. 

''DU4''  Model  4 10  to  13  mm. 

''DU6''  Model  4 12  to  16  mm. 

With  the  armature  held  in  the  proper  posi- 
tion, the  gear  or  coupling  should  be  secured. 
The  greatest  care  should  be  exercised  to  prevent 
the  slipping  of  the  armature  during  this  opera- 
tion. 

In  the  fully  enclosed  magneto  it  is  unneces- 


420  The  Automobile  Handbook 

sary  to  remove  either  the  interrupter  housing 
cover  or  the  distributer  plate  in  order  to  deter- 
mine the  setting  of  the  instrument,  or  to  locate 
the  distributer  terminal  with  which  contact  is 
made. 

The  magneto  having  been  bolted  into  posi- 
tion, the  crankshaft  is  to  be  turned  to  bring 
one  of  the  pistons,  preferably  that  of  cylinder 
No.  1,  to  the  firing  position  for  full  advance. 

The  armature  is  then  rotated  until  the  figure 
**V^  can  be  seen  through  the  window  in  the 
face  of  the  distributer  plate.  The  cover  of  the 
oilwell  on  the  distributer  end  of  the  magneto 
is  then  to  be  raised,  and  the  armature  is  to  be 
turned  a  few  degrees  in  one  direction  or  the 
other  until  the  red  mark  on  one  of  the  dis- 
tributer gear  teeth  is  brought  to  register  with 
the  red  marks  on  the  side  of  the  window  located 
between  the  two  oil  ducts. 

The  magneto  is  then  in  time  for  the  full  ad- 
vance position,  and  the  gear  or  coupling  is  to  be 
secured  to  the  armature  shaft.  Great  care 
should  l)e  taken  not  to  disturb  the  position 
eith(T  of  the  crankshaft  or  the  armature  shaft 
when  fitting  the  driving  member. 

Boscir  Enclosed  Types.  In  the  **DTJ*'  dual 
ma^iK^to,  the  current  is  led  from  the  collector 
ring  eonnoetion  to  the  coil  and  back  to  the 
distri])utor  terminal  that  is  located  in  the  cen- 
ter of  the  distributer  plate.  In  the  enclosed 
dual  magneto,  this  central  terminal  is  elimi- 
nated, and  the  current  is  led  internally  to  "the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  421 

distributer  from  a  connection  on  the  shaft  end 
3f  the  magneto.  To  expose  this  terminal,  the 
shaft  end  bonnet  should  be  removed,  which  is 
done  by  withdrawing  the  two  screws  in  its  lower 
flange,  and  sliding  the  bonnet  backward.  The 
terminal  will  then  be  seen  to  be  a  vulcanite  post* 
with  a  boss  that  projects  through  a  hole  in  the 
bonnet.  In  the  top  of  this  post  are  two  vertical 
[loles,  in  the  bottom  of  each  of  which  is  a  screw. 
These  screws  are  to  be  withdrawn.  The  ends 
)f  the  high-tension  wires  No.  3  and  No.  4  lead- 
ing to  the  coil  are  then  to  be  cut  off  square, 
ind  after  being  led  through  the  hole  in  the  bon- 
let,  are  to  be  pressed  to  the  bottoms  of  the 
planting  holes  in  the  boss.  The  pointed  screws 
ire  then  to  be  replaced  in  the  vertical  holes,  and 
n  being  driven  home  they  will  pierce  the  cables 
[and  their  insulation)  and  make  the  required 
jonnections.  It  is  essential  to  use  a  screwdriver 
)f  the  proper  size,  for  a  tool  with  too  large  a 
)lade  will  inevitably  crack  the  vulcanite.  Great 
jare  must  be  taken  to  apply  the  screwdriver  to 
;he  screws  vertically  in  order  to  avoid  cracking 
he  vulcanite  by  side  pressure.  When  the  con- 
lections  are  made  the  bonnet  is  to  be  replaced. 
Bosch  Upkeep  and  Care.  It  will  be  noted 
hat  the  press  button  on  the  coil  is  arranged  to 
let  in  either  of  two  positions,  which  are  indi- 
cated by  an  arrow  engraved  on  its  surface,  or 
)rojecting  from  its  edge.  When  this  button  is 
n  such  a  position  that  the  arrow  is  pointing  on 
;he  word  ''run''  a  single  contact  spark  will  be 


422  The  Automobile  Handbook 

produced  when  the  engine  is  cranked,  or  wheii 
the  engine  is  running  with  the  switch  in  the 
battery  position.  Under  all  ordinary  conditions 
the  button  position  should  invariably  be  used. 

When  the  engine  is  chilled,  however,  or  under 
poor  mixture  conditions,  starting  can  frequently 
be  facilitated  by  pressing  down  the  button  and 
turning  it  slightly  to  the  right  so  that  .the  arrow 
is  pointing  to  the  word  ** start."  This  will  lock 
the  vibrator  in  circuit,  and  a  shower  of  vibrator 
sparks  will  be  produced  in  place  of  the  single 
contact  spark. 

The  platinum  points  of  the  magneto  inter- 
rupter should  be  kept  clean  and  smooth  and  so 
adjusted  that  they  are  open  about  1/64  inch, 
or  the  thickness  of  the  gauge  attached  to  the  ad- 
justing wrench,  when  the  magneto  interrupter 
lever  is  wide  open  on  one  of  the  rollers  or  seg- 
ments. It  should  not  be  necessary  to  clean  or 
readjust  these  points  oftener  than  once  a  season, 
and  it  is  not  advisable  to  readjust  them  until 
their  condition  and  the  missing  of  the  engine 
show  it  to  be  absolutely  necessary. 

Each  coil  is  stamped  with  the  voltage  of  the 
battery  current  for  which  it  is  wound,  and  if 
this  voltage  is  not  exceeded  the  platinum  con- 
tacts of  the  battery  interrupter  will  not  require 
attention  for  long  periods.  When  this  battery 
int(Trupter  lever  is  being  operated  by  the  roll- 
ers or  segments,  the  platinum  points  should  be 
slij^litly  wider  open  than  the  contact  points  of 
the  magneto  interrupter — the  proper  distance 
being  al)out  1/50  inch. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  423 

If  the  magneto  is  at  fault,  all  the  cables  and 
terminals  should  be  examined  for  improper  con- 
nections. The  coil  and  battery  system  may  then 
be  disconnected  by  removing  the  wires  from 
terminals  Nos.  3  and  4  of  the  magneto,  and  with 
a  short  piece  of  wire  magneto  terminal  No.  3 
may  be  connected  directly  with  magneto  ter- 
minal No.  4.  This  will  conduct  the  high-tension 
current  induced  in  the  magneto  direct  to  the 
distributer.  The  grounding  wire  should  then 
be  disconnected  from  terminal  No.  2  of  the 
magneto.  With  this  arrangement  it  should  be 
possible  to  start  the  engine  on  the  magneto,  and 
it  will  be  necessary  to  follow  this  plan  should 
any  accident  happen  to  the  coil. 

To  ascertain  if  the  magneto  is  generating  cur- 
rent, the  grounding  wire  should  be  disconnected 
from  terminal  No.  2  on  the  magneto,  and  the 
high-tension  wire  should  be  disconnected  from 
the  collecting  ring  terminal  No.  3.  If  the  engine 
is  then  cranked  briskly  a  spark  should  appear 
at  the  safety  spark  gap  that  is  located  under 
the  arch  of  the  magnets  on  the  dust  cover, 
provided  the  magneto  is  in  proper  condition. 
The  grounding  wire  should  then  be  reconnected 
to  terminal  No.  2,  and  the  engine  cranked.  If 
no  spark  appears  at  the  safety  spark  gap,  the 
trouble  may  be  determined  as  a  leakage  of  the 
primary  magneto  current  to  ground  by  chafed 
insulation,  incorrect  connections,  or  an  injury 
to  the  switch  parts. 

The  coil  may  be  tested  by  disconnecting  wire 


424  The  Automobile  Handbook 

No.  4  from  the  magneto  and  throwing  the  switch 
to  the  battery  position,  operating  the  press  but- 
ton with  terminal  No.  4  3/16  inch  from  the 
metal  of  the  engine.  If  the  coil  is  in  good  con- 
dition, a  brilliant  spark  should  be  observed.  If 
the  spark  does  not  appear  the  test  should  be  re- 
peated with  wire  No.  3  disconnected.  If  the 
fault  persists  the  coil  body  may  be  removed 
from  the  housing  by  withdrawing  the  holding 
screw  that  is  located  close  to  the  supporting 
flange;  the  switch  should  then  be  unlocked  and 
the  end  plate  given  a  quarter  revolution.  This 
will  release  the  bayonet  lock  and  the  coil  body 
may  then  be  withdrawn  to  permit  the  inspection 
of  the  switch  contacts  both  of  the  coil  and  of 
the  stationary  switch  plate.  It  may  be  that  the 
•spring  contacts  are  bent  or  otherwise  in  bad 
condition.  The  withdrawing  of  the  coil  body 
and  its  handling  should  be  performed  with  ex- 
treme care.  No  work  should  be  done  on  the  coil 
in  the  way  of  withdrawing  screws,  etc.,  and  if 
the  inspection  does  not  disclose  the  fault  the 
coil  should  be  returned  to  its  housing  and  the 
whole  returned  to  the  makers  or  to  one  of  their 
branches. 

Bosch  **NU"  Magneto.  Like  other  Bosch 
high-tension  magnetos,  the  type  **NU4,**  Pig. 
187,  generates  its  own  high-tension  current  di- 
rectly in  the  magneto  armature  (the  rotating 
member  of  the  magneto)  without  the  aid  of  a 
separate  step-up  coil,  and  has  its  timer  and 
distributer  integral.     The  distinct  gear-driven 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


425 


distributor  common  to  other  types  has  been 
omitted  in  the  "NU4"  magneto,  and  in  its  stead 
is  a  double  slipping  combining  the  functicais  of 
current  collector  and  distributor. 

The  armature  winding  is  composed  of  two 
sections:  one,  primary,  or  low  tension,  consist- 
ing of  a,  few  layers  of  Comparatively  heavy 
wire,  and  the  other,  secondary,  or  high  tension, 
consisting  of  many  layers  of  iine  wire. 


Pig.  187 

Bosch  High  Tension  Magneto,  Model  "NU" 

The  beginning  of  the  primary  winding  is  in 
metallic  contact  with  the  armature  core,  and 
the  other,  or  live,  end  is  connected  by  means  of 
the  interrupter  fastening  screw  to  the  insulated 
contact  block  supporting  the  long  platinum 
screw  on  the  magneto  interrupter.  The  inter- 
rupter lever,  carrying  a  short  platinum  screw,  is 
mounted  on  the  interrupter  disc  which,  in  turn, 
is  electrically  connected  to  the  armature  core. 
The  primary  circuit  is  completed  whenever  the 


426  The  Automobile  Handbook 

* 

two  platinum  interrupter  screws  are  in  contact 
and  interrupted  whenever  these  screws  are  sepa- 
rated. The  separation  of  the  platinum  screws  is 
controlled  by  the  action  of  the  interrupter  lever 
as  it  bears  against  the  two  steel  segments  se- 
cured to  the  inner  surface  of  the  interrupter 
housing.  The  high-tension  current  is  generated 
in  the  secondary  winding  only  when  there  is  an 
interruption  of  the  primary  circuit,  the  spark 
being  produced  at  the  instant  the  platinum  in- 
terrupter screws  separate. 

The  secondary  winding  is  insulated  from  the 
primary,  and  the  two  ends  of  the  secondary  are 
connected  to  two  metal  segments  in  the  slipring 
mounted  on  the  armature,  just  inside  the  driv- 
ing shaft  end  plate  of  the  magneto.  The  slip- 
ring  has  two  grooves,  each  containing  one  of 
the  two  metal  segments.  These  segments  are  set 
diametrically  opposite  on  the  armature  shaft, 
that  is,  180  degrees  apart,  and  insulated  from 
each  other,  as  well  as  from  the  armature  core 
and  magneto  frame. 

The  four  slipring  brushes  which  are  part  of 
the  secondary  circuit  are  supported  by  two 
double  brush  holders,  one  on  each  side  of  the 
driving  shaft  end  plate,  each  holder  carrying 
two  brushes  so  arranged  that  each  brush  bears 
against  the  slipring  in  a  separate  groove.  Upon 
rotation  of  the  armature,  the  metal  segment  in 
one  slipring  groove  makes  contact  with  a  brush 
on  one  side  of  the  magneto  at  the  same  instant 
that  the  metal   segment  in  the   other  slipring 


The  Automobile  Handbook  427 

groove  comes  into  contact  with  a  brush  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  magneto.  The  marks  1  and 
2  appearing  in  white  on  both  brush  holders  in- 
dicate pairs  of  brushes  receiving  simultaneous 
contact,  those  marked  1  constituting  one  pair, 
and  those  marked  2  the  other. 

A  spark  is  caused  at  two  plugs  simultane- 
ously. It  is  important  to  note  that  as  two  of 
the  four  slipring  brushes  receive  contact  simul- 
taneously and  each  is  connected  by  cable  to  the 
spark  plug  in  one  of  the  cylinders,  the  secondary 
circuit  always  includes  two  plugs,  and  the  spark 
occurs  in  two  cylinders  simultaneously. 

After  removing  one  of  the  brush  holders  to 
permit  observation  of  the  slipring,  the  armature 
shaft  is  rotated  in  the  direction  in  which  it  is 
to  be  driven,  until  the  beginning  of  the  metal 
slipring  segment  is  visible  in  the  slipring  groove 
corresponding  to  Fig.  1  of  the  brush  holder 
which  has  been  removed.  With  that  done,  the 
cover  of  the  magneto  interrupter  housing  is  to 
be  removed  to  expose  the  interrupter.  The 
armature  shaft  should  then  be  further  rotated 
until  the  platinum  interrupter  screws  are  just 
about  to  separate,  which  occurs  when  the  inter- 
rupter lever  begins  to  bear  against  one  of  the 
steel  segments  of  the  interrupter  housing. 

The  armature  should  be  held  in  that  position 
while  the  magneto  drive  is  connected  to  the 
engine,  due  care  being  taken  that  the  piston  of 
No.  1  cylinder  is  still  exactly  on  top  dead  center 
of  the  compression  stroke. 


428 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


After  the  brush  holder  and  interrupter  hous- 
ing cover  have  been  replaced  the  installation  is 
completed  by  connecting  the  cable  of  one  of  the 
brushes,  marked  1,  with  cylinder  No.  1,  Fig.  188, 
and  the  other  with  cylinder  No.  4;  the  remain- 
ing two  cables,  leading  from  the  brushes,  marked 
2,  must  be  connected  with  cylinders  Nos.  2 
and  3. 


i 


ff=\ 


^ 


I 


V 


II 


3 C 


I ' 


Pt      >         _2. 


Ill 
I 1 


] C 


Ui 


£ 


!iv 


«._,-- 1 


1 c 


>      < 


r-*--. 


Li-J 


'      *  I 


Fig.  188 

Wiring    Connections    for    Bosch    Magneto,    Model 

"NU" 


Dixie  ^Magneto.  The  Mason  principle  on 
which  the  Dixie  magneto  operates  is  shown  in 
Fig.  189.  The  magnet  has  two  rotating  polar 
extremities,  N  S,  which  are  always  of  the  same 
polarity,  never  reversing.  These  poles  are  in 
practical  contact  with  the  inner  cheeks  of  the 
permanent  magnet  M,  all  air  gaps  being  elimi- 
nated. Together  with  the  U-shaped  magnet, 
they  form  a  magn^  with  rotating  ends. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


429 


At  right  angles  to  the  rotating  poles  is  a  field 
consisting  of  pole  pieces  F  and  G,  Fig.  190, 
carry i^g  across  their  top  the  core  C  and  the 
windings  W.  When  N  is  opposite  6,  the  mag- 
netism flows  from  pole  N  on  the  magnet  to  G 
and  through  the  core  C  to  F. 


a: 


ij 


u 


z 


d 


Fig.  189 
Dixie  Magneto  Principle 

In  Fig.  191  the  pole  N  has  moved  over  to  F 
and  the  direction  of  the  flow  of  magnetism  is 
reversed;  it  now  flowing  from  F  through  C  to 
G.  The  rotating  poles  do  not  reverse  their 
polarity  at  any  time,  consequently  the  lag  due 
to  the  magnetic  reluctance  in  this  part  is  elimi- 
nated. 

The  magneto  has  a  rotating  element  consist- 
ing of  two  pieces  of  cast  iron  with  a  piece  of 
brass  between  them,  but  no  armature  of  the 
usual  form,  the  revolving  generating  element 
being  shown  in  Fig.  192.  The  pieces  N  S  are 
separated  by  the  brass  block  B  and  correspond 
to  the  pieces  N  S  in  Figs.  189, 190  and  191.  The 
generating  windings  are  carried  on  a  small  coil 
placed  across  the  upwardly  projecting  ends  of 
two  pole  pieces. 


430 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  core  of  the  coil  A,  Pig.  193,  is  stationary; 
and  the  inner  end  6  of  the  primary  winding 
P  is  grounded  on  the  core.  Q  indicates  the 
metal  frame  of  the  machine,  which  is  put  to- 


MHh 


Fig.   190  Pig.   191 

Dixie  Magneto  Action      Reversal  of  Magnetism 

Through  Dixie  Magneto 

gether  with  screws.    The  condenser  R  is  located 
immediately  above  the  coil  and  is  readily  re- 


Fig.  192 
Rotating    Element    in    Dixie   Magneto 

mova])le.  The  terminal  D  is  a  screw  on  the 
head  of  the  coil  and  the  wire  Z  connects  di- 
rectly to  the  contact  Y  of  the  breaker.  The 
})reaker  co^  stationary  and  do  not  re- 

volve as  i  are  type. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


431 


Fig.  194  shows  the  high  tension  circuit.  Here 
the  end  G  of  the  high  tension  winding  goes  to 
a  metal  plate  D  carried  on  the  upper  side  A  of 
the  coil.  Against  D  bears  a  connection  F,  which 
is  practically  one  piece  with  the  traveling  con- 
tact J,  which  connects  to  the  spark  plug  seg- 
ment L,  the  circuit  being  completed  through  the 
spark  plug,  engine  frame  and  frame  of  magneto 
in  the  usual  manner  without  brush  G. 


Fig.   193 
Low  Tension  Primary  Circuit  of  Dixie  Magneto 


The  proper  distance  between  the  platinum 
points  when  separated  should  not  exceed  1/50  of 
an  inch,  and  a  gauge  of  the  proper  size  is  at- 
tached to  the  screwdriver  furnished  with  the 
Dixie. 

The  platinum  contacts  should  be  kept  clean 
and  properly  adjusted.  Should  the  contacts  be- 
come pitted,  a  fine  file  should  be  used  to  smooth 
them  in  order  to  permit  them  to  come  into  per- 
fect contact.     The  distributor  block  should  be 


432 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


removed  occasionally  and  inspected  for  an  ac- 
cumulation of  carbon  dust.  The  inside  of  the 
distributor  should  then  be  wiped  dry  with  a 
clean  cloth.  When  replacing  the  block,  care 
must  be  taken  in  pushing  the  carbon  brush  into 
the  socket.  The  magneto  should  not  be  tested 
unless  it  is  completely  assembled,  that  is,  with 
the  breaker  box,  distributor  cover  and  wires  in 
position. 


I 
I 


Pig.   194 
High   Tension   Circuit  of  Dixie  Magneto 


In  order  to  obtain  the  most  efficient  results 
with  the  Dixie  magneto  the  normal  setting  of 
the  spark  plug  points  should  not  exceed  .025  of 
an  inch  and  it  is  advisable  to  have  the  gap  just 
right  before  a  spark  plug  is  inserted  into  the 
cylinder.  The  spark  plub  electrodes  may  be 
easily  set  by  means  of  the  gauge  attached  to  the 
screwdriver  furnished  with  the  magneto. 

EisEMANN  Magneto.  There  are  two  types  of 
the  Eisemann  magneto.     First,  the  low-tension 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


^neto  requiring  a  transformer  to  raise  the 
tage  of  the   current;  and  second,  the  high 


Fig.  195 
iigh-Tension  Magneto 

sion  magneto,  which  has  a  double  winding 
the  armature  and  does  not  require  a  non- 
rator  eoil. 


434  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  low  tension  magneto  gives  off  from  20 
to  40  volts  only.  One  end  of  the  armature 
winding  is  grounded,  the  live  end  passing  to 
the  insulated  contact  of  the  interrupter,  which 
is  located  at  the  end  of  the  armature  shaft. 
From  this  point  the  circuit  continues  to  one 
terminal  of  the  primary,  winding  of  the  coil, 
the  other  terminal  of  which  is  grounded.  The 
grounded  part  of  the  interrupter,  a  pivoted  le- 
ver, is  operated  by  a  cam  carried  on  the  arma- 
ture shaft,  and  makes  and  breaks  contact  with 
the  insulated  part.  The  cam  is  set  in  such  re- 
lation to  the  armature  that  the  breaking  of  the 
circuit  by  the  interrupter  coincides  with  the 
production  of  maximum  current  in  the  arma- 
ture winding.  When  the  interrupter  is  making 
contact,  the  magneto  current  is  offered  two  cir- 
cuits by  which  it  may  flow  to  ground,  one 
being  through  the  interrupter  and  the  other 
through  the  primary  winding  of  the  coil.  The 
resistance  of  the  former  being  low,  the  current 
takes  that  path  in  preference  to  the  other, 
which  is  of  higher  resistance.  When  the  cur- 
rent reaches  its  maximum  the  cam  breaks  the 
interrupter  circuit,  and  the  only  path  by  which 
the  current  can  then  flow  to  ground  is  that  of- 
fered by  the  primary  winding  of  the  coil.  This 
sudden  and  intense  flow  causes  the  core  of  the 
coil  to  tlirow  out  a  powerful  magnetic  field, 
whicli  indnoos  a  current  in  the  secondary  wind- 
insr  of  from  20,000  to  40,000  volts.  This  current 
is  passed  to  the  proper  spark  plug  through  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


435 


medium  of  a  distributer  located  ou  the  magnetx) 
ajid  driven  by  the  armature  shaft.  A  condenser 
is  connected  across  the  interrupter  contacts  to 
reduce  the  sparking  as  the  circuit  is  broken, 
and  to  effect  a  more  abrupt  change  in  the  mag- 
netic field  of  the  coil. 


General  Wiring  Diagram  for  Eisemann  Magneto 
A  later  Eisemann  magneto  is  of  the  high- 
tension  type,  as  shown  in  Fig.  195,  in  which  A 
is  the  cam  nut;  B,  steel  contact  for  high-ten- 
sion distributer;  C,  platinum  contact  for  make- 
and-break  lever;  D,  high-tension  distributer 
cover;   E,    nut   for   adjustable    contact   screw: 


436 


The  Automobile  Haridbook 


F,  spring  for  make-and-break  lever;  G,  carbon 
eontaet  for  bigh-teneion  distributer;  H,  make- 
and-break  lever ;  I,  low-tension  carbon  brusb ; 
K,  adjustable  platinum  contact  screw ;  L,  grease 
box  for  large  toothed  wheel ;  M,  nut ;  N,  cam ; 
0,  cable  joints;  P,  distributer  plate;  Q,  metal 
contact ;  S,  screw  for  spring  for  make-and- 
break  lever ;  V,  high-tension  distributer. 


Fig.  197 

Magnetos  are  made  to  turn  in  either  direc- 
tion, but  the  magneto  once  finished  turns  in  one 
direction  only,  and  this  direction  is  indicated 
by  an  arrow  placed  on  the  gear  wheel  case. 

The  spark  occurs  in  one  of  the  cylinders  at 
the  moment  that  the  eontaet  points  are  sepa- 
rated by  the  cam.  The  advance  mechanism  is 
arranged  in  three  different  ways:  (1)  by  means 
of  a  lever  working  the  make-and-break  mechan- 
ism (quadrant  advance);  (2}  by  means  of  ft 
piston  sliding  longitudinally,  and  fitted  to  th6 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


437 


end  of  the  driving  axle  (piston  advance) ;  (3) 
by  rocking  the  magnets  bodily  around  the  ar- 
mature (pivoting  advance).  In  all  cases  a  dis- 
placement of  45  degrees  can  be  obtained.  In 
magnetos  with  quadrant  advance  the  driving 
spindle  is  fixed  by  means  of  a  pin  and  nut. 

This  type  of  magneto  is  consequently  shorter 
than  the  one  with  piston  advance.  In  the  lat- 
ter ease  the  driving,  pinion. is  fixed  on  a  hollow 


spindle. 


Fig.   198 
Pole   Piece  Coastructlon   In   Eleemann   Magneto 

The  Eisemann  dual  system  consists  of  a  direct 
high-tension  magneto  and  a  combined  trans- 
former coil  and  switch.  The  transformer  proper 
is  used  only  in  connection  with  the  battery; 
the  switch  is  used  in  common  by  both  battery 
and  magneto  systems.  The  magneto  is  prac- 
tically the  same  as  the  single  ignition  instru- 
ment. Separate  windings  and  contact  breakers 
are  used  for  battery  or  magneto  current.  On 
the  other  hand,  parts  that  are  not  subject  to 
accident,  or  rapid  wear,  are  used  in  common. 


438 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


A  distinctive  feature  is  that  the  pole  pieces 
are  of  a  certain  shape,  Fig.  198,  whereby  the 
most  extended  portion  thereof  is  approximately 
opposite  the  theoretical  axis  of  the  winding 
upon  armature  core.  This  construction  results 
in  the  flow  of  the  magnetic  lines  of  force  being 
drawn  from  the  extremities  of  the  pole  pieces 
towards  the  center  of  the  core;  a  large  volume 
of  the  magnetic  line  of  force  is  thus  forced 
through  the  winding. 


PLATINUM  CONTACTS 


PRESSURE 
SPRING 


ADJUSTABLE 

CONTACT 
SCREW 


CONTACT 
SPRING 


GROUND  CARBON 

Fig.   199 
Breaker  of  Eisemann  Magneto 

The  make-and-break  mechanism,  Fig.  199, 
consists  of  a  bronze  plate  on  the  back  of  which, 
and  cast  in  one  piece  with  it,  is  a  cone,  fitting 
into  the  armature  shaft,  which  is  bored  out 
and  ])rovided  with  a  key-way.  It  moves  inside 
of  the  timing  lever  and  is  fastened  to  the  arma- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  439 

ture  by  means  of  the  screw.  If  this  screw  is 
extracted  the  whole  mechanism  can  be  removed. 

The  primary  current  is  led  from  the  winding 
through  the  armature  shaft  to  the  contact  screw 
by  the  insulated  screw,  which  also  serves  to  hold 
the  mechanism  to  the  armature  shaft  as  already 
described.  When  the  armature  reaches  the  cor- 
rect position,  a  lever  is  lifted  by  two  steel  cams 
fastened  to  the  magneto  body;  the  primary  cir- 
cuit is  broken  and  the  current  is  induced  in  the 
secondary  winding.  The  beginning  of  the  sec- 
ondary winding  is  connected  with  the  end  of  the 
primary  winding,  and  the  other  end,  through 
several  mediums,  finally  delivers  the  spark  in 
the  cylinder. 

In  addition  to  this  the  magneto  is  also  fitted 
with  the  battery  circuit  breaker,  which  is  mount- 
ed at  the  back  of  the  magneto  breaker.  It  con- 
sists of  a  steel  cam,  having  two  projections 
which  actuate  a  steel  lever  mounted  into  the 
breaker  housing. 

A  condenser  is  built  in  between  the  T-shaped 
end  of  the  armature  and  the  bearing.  This  pre- 
vents a  spark  occurring  at  the  platinum  con- 
tacts with  the  consequent  pitting  and  burning, 
when  the  contact  breaker  opens,  and  it  also  in- 
creases the  intensity  of  the  spark  at  the  plugs. 

The  coil  consists  of  a  non-vibrating  transform- 
er and  a  switch,  which  is  used  in  common  to 
put  either  the  battery  or  magneto  ignition  into 
operation.     It  is  cylindrical  in  shape,  compact. 


440  The  Automobile  Handbook 

and  is  placed  through  the  dashboard.  The  end 
which  projects  through  on  the  same  side  as  the 
motor  has  terminal  connections  for  the  cables. 
The  other  end,  facing  the  operator,  contains  the 
switch  and  the  starting  mechanism.  The  trans- 
former proper  is  used  only  in  conjunction  with 
the  battery. 

As  the  spark  occurs  when  the  primary  circuit 
is  broken  by  the  opening  of  the  platinum  con- 
tacts, it  is  necessary  that  the  magneto  will  be  so 
timed  that  at  full  retard  the  platinum  contacts 
will  open  when  the  piston  has  reached  its  highest 
point  on  the  firing  stroke.  To  arrive  at  this,  turn 
motor  by  hand  until  piston  of  No.  1  cylinder 
is  on  the  dead  center  (firing  point).  Place  the 
timing  lever  of  the  magneto  in  fully  retarded 
position,  then  turn  armature  of  magneto  until 
No.  1  appears  at  the  glass  dial  of  the  distributer 
plate,  and  make  sure  that  the  platinum  contacts 
of  the  magneto  are  just  opening.  Fix  the  driv- 
ing medium  in  this  position. 

If  no  window  is  seen,  turn  motor  by  hand 
until  piston  of  No.  1  cylinder  is  on  dead  center 
(firing  point),  remove  the  distributer  plate  from 
the  magneto  and  turn  the  drive  shaft  of  the 
armature  until  the  setting  mark  on  the  distribu- 
ter disc  is  in  line  with  the  setting  screw  above 
the  distributer.  (For  magneto  rotating  clock-' 
wise  use  setting  mark  R,  and  for  counter  clock- 
wise use  mark  L.)  With  the  armature  in  this 
position  the  platinum  contacts  are  just  opening 
and  the  metal  segment  of  the  distributer  disc 


The  Automobile  Handbook  441 

is  in  connection  with  carbon  brush  for  No.  1 
cylinder.  The  driving  medium  must  now  be 
fixed  to  the  armature  axle  without  disturbing 
the  position  of  the  latter,  and  the  cables  con- 
nected to  the  spark  plugs. 

If  a  spark  plug  cable  becomes  disconnected  or 
broken,  or  should  the  gap  in  the  spark  plug  be 
too  great,  then  the  secondary  current  has  no 
path  open  to  it,  and  endeavoring  to  find  a 
ground  will  sometimes  puncture  the  insulation 
of  the  armature  of  the  coil.  To  obviate  this,  a 
so-called  safety  spark  gap  is  placed  on  the  top 
of  the  armature  dust  cover.  It  consists  of 'pro- 
jections of  brass  with  a  gap  between  them.  One 
of  these  is  an  integral  part  of  the  dust  cover, 
and  therefore  forms  a  ground.  The  other  brass 
part  is  connected  with  the  terminal  H  M  and 
the  secondary  current  will  jump  across  the  in- 
tervening gap  above  mentioned,  thus  protecting 
the  armature  secondary  winding  and  the  high 
tension  insulations. 

In  the  coil,  this  safety  gap  is  placed  at  one 
?nd  of  the  core,  and  hence  is  not  visible.  It 
consists  of  a  pointed  brass  finger,  attached  to 
)ne  end  of  the  secondary,  and  pointing  towards 
he  iron  core  of  the  coil. 

The  contact  points  may  be  cleaned  with  gaso- 
line until  the  contact  surface  appears .  quite 
^^hite,  or  use  a  fine  file,  but  very  carefully,  so 
hat  the  surfaces  remain  square  to  each  other. 
The  gap  at  the  contact  points  should  not  amount 
:o  more  than   1/64  inch   and,  as  the  contacts 


442 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


wear  away  in  time,  they  must  be  regulated  now 
and  then  by  giving  the  screw  a  forward  turn, 
or  eventually  by  renewing.  When  this  platinum 
tipped  screw  is  adjusted,  care  must  be  taken 
that  the  lock-nut  is  securely  tightened  in  place. 
By  loosening  the  center  screw,  the  whole  inter- 
rupting mechanism  may  be  taken  out,  so  that 
the  replacement  of  the  platinum  contacts  with- 
out removing  the  apparatus  can  be  easily  done 
at  any  time.  The  fixing  screw  of  the  make-and- 
break  is  held  fast  by  a  lock  spring,  so  that  it 
is  impossible  for  this  screw  to  loosen.  When  it 
is  desired  to  remove  this  screw,  the  lock  spring 
must  first  be  removed  by  turning  it  over  the 
head  of  the  screw.  Do  not  forget  to  put  the 
spring  in  the  original  position  after  having  fixed 
the  make-and-break  to  the  armature. 


B  A 

Fig.   200 

Automatic  Advance  Mechanism   of   Eisemann 

Magneto 

The  Eisemann  automatic  advance.  Fig.  200,  is 
accomplished  ])y  the  action  of  centrifugal  force 
on  a  pair  of  weights  A  attached  at  one  end  to  a 
sk*ev(^  B,  tlirough  which  runs  the  shaft  C  of  the 
magneto,  and  hinged  at  the  other  end  to  the 
armature. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  443 

Along  the  armature  shaft  arm  run  two  spiral 
ridges  which  engage  with  similarly  shaped 
splines  in  the  sleeve.  When  the  armature  is 
rotated  the  weights  begin  to  spread  and  exert  a 
longitudinal  pull  on  the  sleeve  which  in  turning 
changes  the  position  of  the  armature  with  refer- 
ence to  the  pole  pieces.  In  this  way  the  moment 
of  greatest  current  is  advanced  or  retarded,  and 
with  it  the  break  in  the  primary  circuit,  for  the 
segments  which  lift  the  circuit  breaker  and 
cause  the  break  in  the  primary  circuit  are  fixed 
in  the  correct  position  and  thus  the  break  can 
only  occur  at  the  moment  when  the  current  in 
the  winding  is  strongest.  On  magnetos  without 
this  advance  it  is  the  segments  which  are  moved 
forward  or  back,  as  the  case  may  be.  As  there 
is  only  one  actually  correct  position  for  the  seg- 
ments, every  degree  away  from  this  weakens 
the  spark. 

The  spreading  of  the  weights  rotates  the  arma- 
ture forward,  and  advances  the  spark  and  the 
resumption,  either  total  or  in  part,  of  their 
original  position  close  to  the  shaft,  retards  it  by 
rotating  the  armature  backward. 

As  the  timing  is  accomplished  by  changing 
the  relative  positions  of  armature  and  motor 
and  not  those  of  the  segments  in  the  timing  level 
which  cause  the  breaking  of  the  circuit,  the 
spark  is  always  bound  to  occur  at  the  moment 
of  greatest  current  and  the  apparatus  thus 
g:iven  as  strong  a  spark  at  retard  as  when  fully 
advanced. 


444  The  Automobile  Handbook 

As  the  speed  becomes  slower  a  spring  D 
brings  the  weights  together  again,  so  that  by 
the  time  the  motor  has  come  to  rest  the  magneto 
is  fully  retarded,  this  being  the  correct  position 
for  starting. 


Pig.  201 
Magneto  Used  on  the  Ford  Cars 


In  the  rear  end  of  the  governor  housing  there 
is  a  transverse  slot  into  which  fits  a  key,  far- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  445 

nished  with  each  magneto.  When  this  key  is 
shoved  in  as  far  as  it  can  go  the  armature  is 
fixed  in  the  position  where  the  platinum  con- 
tacts begin  to  open.  The  shaft  is  held  tight  in 
the  correct  position  and  the  coupling  may  be 
screwed  up  with  the  assurance  that  the  magneto 
is  correctly  set  and  without  danger  of  damag- 
ing the  armature. 


446  The  Automobile  Handbook 

FoED  Magneto.  The  Ford  ma^eto,  Pig. 
201,  is  of  a  peculiar  design,  it  being  constructed 
as  an  integral  part  of  the  flywheel,  in  which  A 
is  the  support  for  the  magneto  coils;  BBB,  mag- 
neto coils;  CC,  permanent  horseshoe  magnets; 
DT>,  the  flywheel ;  E,  planetary  pinions ;  F,  low 
speed  brake  band ;  G,  reverse  brake  band ;  H, 
disc-clutch    for    high    speed ;    I,    transuussion 


brake ;  J,  clutch  rocker  shaft,  and  K,  high  speed 
clutch  spring.  The  permanent  magnets,  which 
are  U-shaped,  are  bolted  to  the  forward  face  of 
the  flywheel,  as  shown  In  Fig.  202,  Close  in  front 
of  their  outer  ends  is  a  series  of  insulated  coils 
mounted  in  a  circle  of  practically  full  flywheel 
diameter,  with  their  axes  parallel  with  that  of 
the  crankshaft.  They  are  supported  apon  a 
stationary  spider,  as  shown  in  Fig.  203.  As  the 
flywheel  revolves,  this  magnet  and  coil  com- 
bination, which  is  similar  to  that  used  on  some 


The  Automobile  Handbook  447 

types  of  alternating  current  generators,  pro- 
duces a  current  which  is  used  through  a  four- 
unit  current  timer  to  cause  the  ignition  spark. 
The  magneto  is  of  the  inductor  type,  the  arma- 
ture coils  being  stationary,  and  the  field  mag- 
nets moved  past  them.  Sixteen  separate  field 
magnets  are  used,  made  of  vanadium-tungsten 
steel.  They  are  substantially  horseshoe  shape, 
being  secured  to  the  side  of  the  flywheel  as  illus- 
trated in  Fig.  203.  They  are  held  in  place  by 
screws  at  their  middle,  and  by  clamps  near  their 
poles,  all  screws  used  for  fastening  them  being 
securely  locked  in  place  by  wire  locks. 

The  magnets  are  so  arranged  that  like  poles 
are  adjacent  to  each  other,  forming  a  six- 
teen pole  field  magnet  crown.  Instead  of  being 
placed  close  against  the  flywheel,  these  mag- 
nets are  clamped  against  a  ring  of  non-magnetic 
material  (brass  for  instance),  in  order  to  re- 
duce leakage  of  magnetism  through  the  fly- 
wheel rim.  At  their  middle  these  magnets  are 
fastened  directly  to  the  flywheel,  as  at  this  point 
they  are  neutral,  and  there  can  be  no  leakage. 
A  series  of  sixteen  armature  coils  is  carried  on 
a  coil  supporting  ring  slightly  in  front  of  the 
flywheel,  as  shown  in  Fig.  202.  These  coils  are 
wound  with  heavily  insulated  magnet  wire,  and 
are  so  grouped  around  the  supporting  ring  that 
the  winding  of  adjacent  coils  is  in  different  di- 
rections, one  being  wound  clockwise,  and  the 
next  one  counter  clockwise.  The  coils  are  con- 
nected in.  series,  the  terminals  being  brought 


448 


The  Automobile  Hayidbook 


out  near  the  top  of  the  casing.  As  the  poles 
of  the  niagnpts  are  located  opposite  and  very 
close  to  the  coils,  the  magnetic  circuits  are  com- 
pleted by  the  cores  of  these  coils  and  the  coil 
support.  There  are  evidently  sixteen  electrical 
impulses  produced  during  the  revolution  of  the 
crankshaft  and  flywheel,  although  only  two  im- 
pulses are  required  for  the  ignition  of  the  mo- 
tor, one  per  stroke.  However,  as  the  armature 
circuit  is  closed  only  when  a  spark  is  wanted, 


a  current  only  flows  at  that  period,  and  there 
is  no  loss  from  the  other  impulses, 

IIebz  TTigh  Tension  JIagneto.  This  mag- 
neto diffi'rs  from  the  regular  conventional  type 
in  that  it  is  cylindrical  in  shape,  due  to  the  em- 
ployment of  rinp-shaped  field  magnets  A — ^Fig. 
204 — instead  of  the  horseshoe  type  generally 
adopted.  The  six  IIitz  magnets  are  in  reality 
Hs  many  flat  steel  rings  clamped  together  with 
a  polar  space,  or  armature  tunnel,  C,  cut  in 


The  Automohile  Bandbook 


449 


'he  ring  surfaces  are  ground  with  the 
leeuraey  in  order  to  obtain  the  best 
effect  when  they  are  all  clamped  to- 
These  magnets  are  mounted  on  an 
a  base  S.     A   second  unconventional- 


at  the  usual  independent,  soft-metal 
&s,  which  bolt  to  the  ends  of  the  horse- 
nets  in  the  conventional  magneto,  are 
[  with  entirely.  In  the  Herz  system 
C,  which  accommodates  the  armature, 


450  The  Automoiile  Handbook 

is  bored  out  from  the  magnets  A,  and  in  this 
manner  sharp  angles  in  the  magnet  system, 
which  invariably  result  in  a  leakage  of  lines  of 
force  in  the  magneto,  are  avoided.  The  arma- 
ture D,  Fig.  205,  is  of  shuttle  shape,  accommo- 
dating the  low,  and  high-tension  windings  E 
within  the  frame  portion  of  it.  So  careful  has 
the  construction  of  this  armature  been  superin- 
tended that  there  is  but  l-lO-millimeter  air 
space  between  it  and  the  curved  portions  of  the 
magnets  A.  The  armature  revolves  on  ball- 
bearings, mounted  in  special  cages,  and  is  fitted 
with  lubricating  means  sufficient  for  many 
months'  use.  The  armature  windings  consist 
of  a  primary  winding,  in  which  is  generated  the 
low-tension  current  and  also  a  secondary  wind- 
ing in  which  is  generated  the  induced,  or  high- 
tension  circuit.  At  one  end  of  the  armature, 
and  encased  in  a  brass  box,  is  the  condenser,  F, 
Fig.  205. 

The  make-and-break  devices  for  interrupting 
the  primary  circuit  are  illustrated  in  Fig.  205, 
the  entire  device  being  a  detachable  unit,  which 
secures  to  the  armature  shaft  by  a  key-way  and 
feather.  This  make-and-break  mechanism  con- 
tacts with  one  end  of  the  primary  winding  of 
the  armature  through  a  small  carbon  brush,  fit- 
ted into  the  contact  disk,  which  presses  against 
a  ring  alongside  of  the  ball  race  on  the  arma- 
ture. The  contact  device  consists  of  three 
l^arts :  First,  a  curved  spring  G,  having  a  plat- 
inum flat  contact  on  one  end;  a  steel  block  H 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


451 


carrying  an  adjustable  platinum  contact,  and 
a  small,  hard-fiber  roller  K  carried  on  a  pin. 
This  roller  is  set  so  that  if  it  is  given  a  slight 
push  at  the  edge  it  tends  to  move  up  the  in- 
cline plane  formed  by  the  steel  piece  H,  and  in 
doing  so  pushes  against  the  end  of  the  spring  G 
and  separates  the  platinum  contacts  L.     This 


contact-maker  revolves  bodily  with  the  arma- 
ture, and  in  its  rotation  the  fiber  roller  K  strikes 
upon  two  steel  projections  M — ^Fig.  206— held 
in  the  case,  thus  breaking  the  circuit  at  the 
points  of  maximum  induction  twice  in  each  rev- 
olution, at  which  time  the  induced  current  is 
set  up  in  the  secondary  winding  of  the  magneto. 
It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  comment  here  that 


452  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  primary  and  secondary  windings  are 
oughly  insulated  from  each  other,  and 
with  the  making  and  breaking  of  the  prii 
current  an  induced  current  is  set  up  in  the 
ondary  winding,  which  because  of  the  i 
turna  of  wire  in  this  winding,  is  of  a  par 
larly  high  voltage.  For  cutting  off  the  s 
when  desired  a  terminal  is  provided  on  the 
tact-maker  case,  which  gives  a  connectio: 
means  of  a  spring  pressing  on  the  head 


ig.  207 
High- Tension  End 

steel  screw  in  connection  with  the  insu! 
end  of  the  primary  winding,  which  thus 
be  short-eireuited  at  will.  In  advancini 
retarding  the  spark,  connections  are  made 
tbc  ball-ending  N,  Fig.  206,  the  contact-m 
liiiving  a  30-degrce  movement  for  this  pur 
The  high-tension  end  of  the  armature 
iiHiiinted  upon  it  a  deeply  recessed  insul) 
t'oljar,  with  a  metallic  sector  within  it.  1 
this  sector  are  small  carbon  brushes  for  d 


The  Automobile  Handbook  453 

ing  off  the  high-tension  current.  In  Fig.  207 
appears  a  magneto  suitable  for  a  two-cyl- 
inder engine  with  its  high-tension  terminals 
R  located  at  90  degrees  to  each  other.  To  ob- 
tain the  two  sparks  the  high-tension  contact 
piece,  orsector  is  fitted  with  an  insulating  col- 
lar, which  does  not  go  quite  half  way  round, 
and  thus  makes  alternate  contact  with  the  two 
carbon  brushes  R,  sending  the  spark  to  the  re- 
spective cylinder.  In  four-cylinders  a  distrib- 
uter is  combined.  The  safety  spark  gap  is 
located  between  the  high-voltage  sector  and  the 
armature,  and  if  the  spark  exceeds  %  inch  it 
bridges  the  insulating  collar  to  the  armature. 

Mea  Magneto.  The  most  noticeable  differ- 
ence between  the  Mea  magneto  and  other  stand- 
ard forms  is  that  the  magnets  are  bell-shaped 
and  are  placed  horizontally  and  with  their  axes 
in  line  with  the  armature  shaft.  This  is  a  dis- 
tinct variation  from  the  customary  horseshoe 
magnets  plaijfed  at  right  angles.  This  makes 
possible  the  simultaneous  movement  of  the  mag- 
nets and  breaker  instead  of  the  advance  and 
retard  of  the  breaker  alone. 

It  will  be  seen  that,  as  a  result  of  this  con- 
struction, the  relative  position  of  armature  and 
field  at  the  moment  of  sparking  is  absolutely 
maintained,  and  the  same  quality  of  spark  is 
therefore  produced,  no  matter  what  the  timing 
may  be. 

Fig.  208  shows  a  longitudinal  section  of  a 
four-cylinder   instrument.      In   the   bell-shaped 


454  The  Automobile  Handbook 

magnet  100,  having  the  poles  on  a  horizontal 
line  near  the  driven  end  of  the  magneto,  rotates 
armature  1  in  ball  bearings  17  and  18.  The 
armature  consists  mainly  of  an  I-shaped  iron 
core,  mounted  on  a  spindle,  and  wound  with  a 
heavy  primary  winding  of  a  few  turns  and  a 
light  secondary  winding  of  many  turns.  On 
this  armature  are  also  mounted  the  condenser 
12,  the  collector  ring  4,  and  the  low-tendon 


Fig.   208 
Mea  Magneto 

breaker  26-39.  The  latter  is  built  up  of  a  disc 
27,  which  carries  the  short  platinum  contact  33; 
the  other  contact  point  34  is  adjustable  and 
supported  by  a  spring  20,  which  in  turn  is  fas- 
tened to  the  insulated  -pVale  ^%  Twsxm\a6.  ■avi.  Smk, 
27.     The  breaker  is  actuated  \i^  VVa  'cfet'&  -t(S«a 


The  Automobile  Handbook  455 

31  in  connection  with  cam  disc  40,  which  is 
provided  with  two  cams  and  located  inside  the 
breaker,  being  fastened  to  the  field  structure. 
In  revolving  with  the  armature  the  roller 
presses  against  the  spring  supported  part  of  the 
breaker  whenever  it  rolls  over  the  two  cams  and 
in  this  manner  opens  the  breaker  twice  every 
revolution.  Inspection  of  the  breaker  points  is 
made  possible  by  means  of  .an  opening  in  the 
side  of  the  breaker  box,  provided  at  the  point 
of  the  circumference  at  which  the  breaker  opens. 
The  box  is  closed  by  a  cover  74,  supporting  at 
its  center  the  -carbon  holder  47,  by  means  of 
which  the  carbon  46  is  pressed  against  screw  24. 
This  latter  screw  connects  with  one  end  of  the 
low  tension  winding,  while  the  other  end  is 
connected  to  the  core  of  the  armature.  It  will, 
therefore,  be  seen  that  the  breaker  ordinarily 
short-circuits  the  low  tension  winding  and  that 
this  short-circuit  is  broken  only  when  the  break- 
er opens;  it  will  also  be  apparent  that  when 
the  screw  24  is  grounded  through  terminal  50 
and  the  low-tension  switch  to  which  it  is  con- 
nected, the  low-tension  winding  remains  perma- 
nently short-circuited,  so  that  the  magneto  will 
not  spark.  The  entire  breaker  can  be  removed 
by  loosening  screw  ?4. 

The  high  tension  current  is  collected  from  col- 
lector ring  4  by  means  of  brush  77  and  brush 
holder  76,  which  are  supported  by  a  removable 
cover  91,  which  also  supports  the  low  tension 
grounding  brush  78  provided  to  relieve  the  ball 


456  The  Automobile  Handbook 

bearing  of  all  current  which  might  be  injurious. 
Cover  91  also  carries  the  safety  cap  89,  which 
protects  the  armature  from  excessive  voltages  in 
case  the  magneto  becomes  disconnected  from  the 
spark  plugs. 

The  distributer  consists  of  the  stationary  part 
70  and  the  rotating  part  66,  which  is  driven 
from  the  armature  shaft  through  steel  and 
bronze  gears  7  and  72.  The  current  reaches  this 
distributer  from  carbon  77  through  bridge  84 
and  carbon  69.  It  is  conducted  to  brushes  68 
placed  at  right  angles  to  each  other  and  making 
contact  alternately  with  four  contact  plates  em- 
bedded in  part  70.  These  plates  are  connected 
to  contact  holes  in  the  top  of  the  distributer, 
into  which  the  terminals  of  cables  leading  to  the 
different  cylinders  are  placed. 

In  the  front  plate  of  the  magneto  is  provided 
a  small  window,  behind  which  appear  numbers 
engraved  on  the  distributer  gear  which  corre- 
spond to  the  numbers  marked  on  the  top  of  the 
distributer.  This  indicator  allows  a  setting  or 
resetting  after  taking  out,  without  the  necessity 
of  opening  up  the  magneto  to  find  out  where 
the  distributer  makes  contact.  Numbers  on  in- 
dicator and  distributer  show  the  sequence  of 
sparks,  not  the  numbers  of  cylinders  which  the 
magneto  is  firing,  as  the  sequence  of  firing 
varies  with  different  motors. 

The  variation  of  timing  is  effected  by  turn- 
ing the  magneto  proper  in  the  stationary  base 
which  is  accomplished  through  the  spark  lever 


The  Automobile  Handbook  457 

connections  attached  to  one  of  the  side  lugs. 
The  spark  is  advanced  by  turning  the  magneto 
in  the  direction  of  the  rotation  of  the  armature. 

If  the  magneto  is  defective,  the  trouble  will 
usually  be  located  in  the  breaker.  The  plati- 
num contacts  burn  ofif  in  time  and  a  readjust- 
ment becomes  necessary,  -although  this  should  be 
the  case  only  at  very  long  intervals.  The  ad- 
justment should  be  such  that  the  breaker  begins 
to  open  with  the  armature  in  the  position  of 
greatest  current  flow,  and  that  the  distance  be- 
tween contact  points  when  fully  open  is  about 
1/64  inch  or  slightly  more.  The  small  gauge 
attached  to  the  magneto  wrench  may  be  used 
for  checking  this  adjustment.  The  small  lock 
nut  of  the  contact  screw  must  be  tightened  se- 
curely after  each  readjustment  of  the  contacts. 

In  addition  any  oil  or  dirt  reaching  the  con- 
tact points  will  in  time  form  a  fine  film  which 
prevents  perfect  short-circuit  of  the  low-tension 
winding.  If  the  condition  of  these  points  is 
very  bad,  or  if  a  complete  inspection  of  the 
breaker  is  desired,  the  latter  should  be  removed 
from  the  breaker  box.  This  can  readily  be  done 
by  loosening  the  long  center  screw  holding  the 
breaker  to  the  armature,  and  screwing  it  into 
the  small  tapped  hole  provided  in  the  breaker, 
so  that  it  may  be  used  as  a  handle  in  lifting 
the  breaker  out.  The  cleaning  of  the  points 
should  be  done  with  a  fine  crocus  paper,  or  if 
necessary,  with  a  very  fine  file,  after  which  a 


458  The  Automobile  Handbook 

piece  of  very  fine  cloth  should  be  passed  through 
between  the  points  so  as  to  remove  all  sand  or 
filings.  Special  care  must  be  taken  not  to  round 
off  the  edges  of  the  contact  points ;  the  satisfac- 
tory operation  of  a  magneto  depends  largely 
upon  the  perfect  contact  at  this  point,  and  the 
whole  surface  of  the  contacts  should  therefore 
touch. 


Fig.  209 
Inductor  Magneto  Shaft 


Remt  Indtctor  ir.iQNETO.  This  type  of  mag- 
neto, now  so  e.tteiisively  used  for  ignition  pur- 
poses, is  a  comparatively  recent  product,  the 
result  of  niiiny  years  of  experiment  and  develop- 
itivTit.  Tlu'  principli's  of  its  action  are  as  follows: 
By  ivvolving  a  solid  steel  shaft  on  which  are 
tw.i  (Imp-forprtl  steel  magnet  inductor  wings, 
a.s   shown   in    Fig.    20ll.   the   magnetic   field   is 


The  Automobile  Handbook  459 

versed   twice    during    each    revolution,    and 

Bates  two  electrical  current  waves,  or  im- 
Ises  per  revolution.  The  direction  of  flow 
the  magnetic  current  is  changed  at  each  im- 
Ise,  thereby  generating  an  alternating  cur- 
it.  A  circular  shaped  stationary  winding  of 
Lgnet  wire  is  imbedded  between  the  poles  of 


e  magnets  and  around  the  inductor  shaft, 
d  a  strong  current  is  generated  in  it  and  car- 
id  directly  through  the  circuit  breaking  de- 
ie  by  means  of  heavy  lead  wires,  thus  dis- 
using with  the  use  of  carbon  brushes  and  eol- 
•toT  rinps. 

There  are  no  revolving  windings  nor  mov- 
?  contacts,  and  consequently  many  sources  of 


460 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


troohle  are  eliminated.  The  current  is  carried 
to  the  transformer  coil  located  on  the  dash- 
board, where  it  is  stepped  ap  to  the  high  volt- 
age necessary  for  creating  the  hot  jump-spark. 
From  the  transformer  the  current  is  con- 
ducted back  to  a  hard  rubber  distributer,  see 


Tlirou;;)!  Inductor  Tjrpe  of  Magneto 


Fitr.  210,  on  the  face  of  the  magneto,  and  from 
tlieiicc  to  the  Hpnrli  plugs.  The  distribater 
shaft,  located  iiinnediatcly  above  the  inductor, 
i-evdivi's  ii  iiicfallic  segment  past  the  terminaki 
of  the  wiri's  h-jidiiifr  to  the  spark  plugs.  The 
hi^h  fciision  current  is  carried  to  this  segment, 
and  traiiK]nilto<l  to  the  sjmrk  plug.     A  magneto 


The  Automoiile  Handho^^  461 

# 

this  type,  and  gear-driven,  gives  what  may 
>perly  be  called  perfect  timing.  A  hot  spark 
ielivered  in  the  cylinder  under  compression 
the  exact  instant  desired. 
The  device  is  also  reliable  for  starting  the 
tor  from  the  seat  without  cranking,  for  the 
son  that  the  motor  always  stops  with  the 
gneto  in  such  a  position  that  the  first  spark 
1  occur  in  the  cylinder  under  compression 
I  where  batteries  are  used  a  push  button  is 
•vided,  which  by  merely  touching  will  cre- 

the  spark  where  needed.  Fig.  211  shows  a 
tional  view  of  the  magneto.  \ 
Ln  important  difference  between  the  Remy 
gneto  just  described  and  other  models  of  the 
uctor  type  is  in  the  handling  of  the  inductor 
ghts.  In  models  ''RD"  and  ''RL,"  each 
uctor  wing  has  been  balanced  by  a  bronze 
ght  fastened  to  the  magneto  shaft  and  on 

opposite  side  of  the  shaft  from  the  wing 
t  it  compensates  for.  The  weight,  being 
de  of  non-magnetic  material,  does  not  in  any 
Y  affect  the  operation  of  the  magneto  elec- 
»ally. 

The  inductor  principle  is  not  used  in  latex 
dels  of  the  Remy  magneto,  this  feature  being 
'laced  by  an  armature  of  the  shuttle  type 
h  a  single  low-tension  winding.  A  sepa- 
ely  mounted  transformer  coil  is  used  with 
se  instruments,  this  coil  carrying  a  switch 
t  allows  use  of  the  current  from  the  magneto 
aature  or  from  a  set  of  dry  cells  or  storage 


462  The  Automobile  Handbook 

battery,  the  current,  from  whichever  eour' 
passing  though  the  same  breaker,  coil,  distril 
tor  and  plugs. 

Tlie  breaker  of  the  new  models  is  composed 
a  steel  cam  mounted  upon  and  turning  with  l 
armature  shaft  and  which  strikes  against 
contact  piece  in  a  pivoted  arm  that  carries  o 
of  the  contacts  of  the  breaker.     £xcept  for  t 


Pig.   212 
Breaker  Mechanism  of  Remy  "RD"  Hagneto 

(iiovfinent  reijuirod  In  altering  the  time  of  t 
spark,  the  contacts  and  the  pivoted  arm  rems 
.stationary,  the  cam  being  the  only  revolvi 
]>art  ni  tiic  luralter  mechanism.  The  condem 
ihal  is  attached  between  the  breaker  contacts 
carried  in  a  housing  tbat  is  mounted  above  t 
inapni'fo  armature  and  between  the  magnet  lei 
See  Fig.  212. 


r  VA^      ^  1*1  w  v\^  ••v\^  \^  w«^       ^  ^  w  •  v«^  «^  ^  ^  •« 


A  device,  known  as  a  timing  button,  is  incor- 
porated on  the  Models  '^P,"  **30,"  '^31"  and 


^ 


P 

Pi 


CO 
fcO 


N33ti9 


i  L^  ^-1 


*'32**  Remy  magnetos,  for  the  purpose  of  tim- 
ing the  magneto  in  connection  with  the  engine. 


Ttte  Automobile  Handbook 


To  set  the  magneto  turn  the  ^igine  crankshaft 
until  the  piston  of  No.  ]  cylinder  is  at  top  cen- 


ter after  tlie  compression  stroke.     Press  in  on 
the  tiitiiug  button  at  the  top  of  the  distributor 


The  Automobile  Handbook  465 

turn  the  magneto  shaft  until  the  timing  but- 
is  felt  to  drop  into  the  recess  on  the  dis- 
iter  gear.  With  the  magneto  in  this  posi- 
make  the  coupling  with  the  engine  without 
ng  any  attention  to  the  position  of  the 
ker  cam.  The  location  of  the  distributer 
inal  for  the  plug  in  No.  1  cylinder  is  deter- 
d  by  the  direction  of  rotation  of  the  mag- 
If  the  magneto  runs  clockwise,  No.  1  ter- 
l1  is  at  the  lower  left  hand  corner  of  the  dis- 
iter,  while  for  anti-clockwise  drive  No.  1 
inal  is  at  the  lower  right  hand  corner.  The 
ig  for  the  Models  ''P''  and  ''32''  is  shown 
^ig.  213,  while  the  connections  for  Models 
'  and  ''31"  are  shown  in  Fig.  214. 
MMS  Magneto.  The  armature  is  of  the  true 
-tension  type,  on  which  is  wound  both  the 
:ension  primary  and  high-tension  secondary 
lings,  connected  in  series.  The  magneto 
rates  a  high-tension  current  directly  in  the 
iture,  and  does  not  use  an  exterior  coil  or 
r  device  to  step-up  or  transform  the  cur- 
safety  spark  gap  is  provided  to  prevent 
age  to  the  magneto,  in  the  event  of  one  or 
;  of  the  high-tension  cables  becoming  dis- 
ected  from  the  spark  plugs.  This  gap  is 
)cated  that  its  action  may  be  readily  ob- 
id  for  the  purpose  of  locating  the  cause  of 
ible  misfiring. 

le  model  "STJD"  consists  of  a  dual  system 
hich  is  provided  a  small  hon-vibrating  coil 


466  The  Automobile  Hai  Iboofc 

which  pan  be  either  attached  to  the  fra 
(lanli  of  car,  ae  the  coil  is  tmaffected  by 
rnuiHlure  ot  heat. 

Th»f  Hwiteh  operating  the  battery  circui 
coiiticctiuii  with  the  starting  switch  and 
the  Htarting  pedal  ig  depressed  (thereby 
inK  tli<;  Htarting  motor  into  operation)  tt 
rent  (lows  through  the  fswiteh  eoil  and  ms 


Fig.  215 
Magnets  and  Extended  Pole  Pieces  ol  Sli 

Magneto 
As  soon  as  the  engine  start8,  or  the  st- 
pedal  is  released,  the  circuit  is  automai 
diseonneeted,  and  the  engine  runs  on  the 
iicto.  One  of  the  principal  features  o 
Siinnis  magneto  is  the  extended  pole  shoe,  i 
in  Fig.  215. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  467 

To  time  the  magneto  to  engine:  Turn  the 
engine  over  by  the  starting  crank  until  No.  1 
piston  reaches  top  dead  center  on  compression 
or  firing  stroke.  Remove  the  dust  cover,  or  if 
a  dual  magneto,  the  commutator,  and  turn  the 
armature  shaft  until  the  figure  1  appears  in  the 
"sight-hole"  of  distributor,  Fig.  216.  This 
shows  that  that  distributor  brush  is  in  contact 


Fig.  216 
Slmma  High  Tension   Magneto 

with  distributor  post  1.  Retard  the  contact 
breaker  and  move  the  armature,  either  to  the 
right  or  left,  as  occasion  requires,  until  the  plat- 
inum points  just  break,  or,  in  other  words,  just 
separate.  With  the  magneto  in  this  position 
couple  it  to  the  engine  (to  dead  center  on  com- 


468  The  Automobile  Handbook 

pression  stroke),  and  connect  the  remaining  ter- 
minals up  in  the  proper  firing  order  of  the 
engine. 

For  timing  the  model  S  U  D,  proceed  as 
above.  The  above  instructions  relative  to  en- 
gine position  apply  also  in  this  instance.  The 
only  change  is  as  follows: 

For  locating  the  position  of  the  carbon  brush 
on  No.  1  distributer  segment,  remove  the  dis- 
tri])uter,  which  is  held  in  place  by  means  of  two 
spring  clips,  and  turn  the  armature  shaft*  until 
the  distributer  brush  is  brought  into  position, 
namely,  opposite  No.  1  segment. 

If  the  magneto  is  not  firing,  try  the  follow- 
ing test.  While  the  motor  is  running,  discon- 
nect one  of  the  high  tension  cables  from  spark 
I)lug,  being  careful  not  to  touch  the  metal  ter- 
minal, and  hold  the  cable  with  the  terminal 
close,  about  %"  to  3/16",  to  any  part  of  the 
motor.  This  will  show  the  strength  of  the  spark 
nnd  each  cable  may  be  tested  in  turn.  If  the 
matifneto  is  not  delivering  a  good  spark,  examine 
th(^  contact  lireaker.  The  break  or  gap  between 
the  platinnm  points,  when  open  due  to  the  cam 
action,  shonhl  correspond  to  the  thickness  of  the 
t?au<re  furnished,  which  is  approximately   .015. 

SpLiTDORF  ]\Iagneto.  The  system  used  in  old- 
er models  is  that  having  an  armature  with  .but 
on(^  windinjr,  and  giving  a  current  of  compara- 
tivi^ly  low  tension.  The  current  is  discharged 
through  a  transformer  having  a  low  and  a  high- 
tension    winding   somewhat   similar   to   regular 


•The  Automobile  Handbook 


spark  coil.  This  steps  the  current  up  to  a  volt- 
age sufficiently  high  to  enable  it  to  jump  the 
necessary  gap  between  the  points  of  a  spark 
plug  in  the  compressed  mixture  in  the  cylinder 
of  the  motor. 

The  plain  H,  or  shuttle,  armature  is  mounted 
between  two  annular  ball  bearings.  Fig.  217. 
One  end  of  the  shaft  is  the  driving  end  and  the 
other  is  equipped  with  the  breaker  cam  and  the 


Fig.  217 
Section  Through  Splitdorf  Magneto 

insulation  plug  which  delivers  the  current  gen- 
erated in  the  armature  to  the  collector  brushes 
from  which  it  is  transmitted  to  the  transformer 
connection. 

From  A,  Fig.  218,  the  armature  current  goes 
through  the  primary  of  the  transformer,  return- 
ing through  the  binding  post  No.  2  to  the  con- 
tact screw  bracket  on  the  breaker  box.  No.  3  is 
a  common  ground  connection  for  both  the  mag- 
neto and  transformer.    The  circuit  being  broken 


470 


The  Automobile  Handbook' 


at  the  proper  moment,  a  very  high  voltage  cur- 
rent is  induced  in  the  secondary  winding  of  the 
transformer,  and  being  delivered  to  the  heavily 
insulated  cable  D,  is  conducted  to  the  central 
brush  of  the  distributor,  whence  it  is  delivered 
to  the  spark  plugs  in  the  diflEerent  cylinders  in 
correct  sequence. 


Wiring  of  Model  " 


Splitdorf  Magneto 


In  addition  to  using  the  current  from  the 
magneto,  the  transformer  may  he  used  as  a 
spark  coil  by  using  the  breaker  mechanism  of 
the  magneto  in  the  circuit  to  interrupt  a  cur- 
rent from  the  battery,  which  can  be  switched 
in  for  starting  purposes  or  for  an  emergency. 
The  distributor  is  used  to  deliver  the  current 
thus  generated  to  the  spark  plugs.  This  gives  a 
dual  system  with  one  set  of  spark  plugs,  and 
the  movement  of  t!ie  switch  controls  both  sys- 
tems.    Fig.  219. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  471 

A  later  development  is  the  new  standard 
"T  S"  type  of  transformer.  Fig.  220,  which 
has  practically  superseded  all  other  types,  par- 


Pig.  213 
Wiring    of    Splltdorf    Magneto    With    TranBtormer 

Coil 
ticularly  as  it  does    away    with    the    separate 
switch  and  still  leaves  the  dash  free.    Both  leads 
from  the  battery  must  run  direct  to  transformer. 


472  The  Automobile  Handbook 

After  securing  the  magneto  to  the  prepared 
base  on  the  motor,  crank  it  until  cylinder  No. 
1  is  exactly  on  its  firing  center  (i.  e.,  the  point 
of  greatest  compression.  The  motor  must  re- 
main in  this  position  until  the  balance  of  the 
work  is  finished. 

Retard  the  spark  advance  mechanism  at  the 
steering  wheel  to  its  limit  and  connect  it  to  the 
spark  advance  lever  on  the  breaker  box  of  the 
magneto,  so  that  if  the  magneto  shaft  revolves 
in  a  clockwise  direction  looking  at  the  driving 
end,  the  breaker  box  lever  will  be  at  its  top- 
most position.  If  the  shaft  revolves  left-handed 
the  lever  should  be  at  the  bottom  limit,  and  ad- 
vanced upward. 

Now  revolve  the  armature  shaft  in  its  direc- 
tion of  rotation  until  the  oval  breaker  cam 
comes  in  contact  with  the  roller  in  the  breaker 
bar  and  begins  to  separate  the  platinum  contacts. 

If  it  is  desired  to  start  on  the  magneto  side, 
ignoring  the  battery  entirely,  advance  the  spark 
mechanism  about  one-half  or  two-thirds  of  the 
wav  and  crank  as  before.  No  back  kick  should 
be  ol)served.  Do  not  drive  the  motor  with  the 
spark  retarded,  but  as  far  advanced  as  the 
motor  will  permit. 

If  th(^  platinum  contacts  after  much  usage 
become  pitted  so  that  a  bad  contact  results, 
they  can  l)e  filed  flat  with  a  fine  file,  taking 
care  not  to  file  off  any  more  than  is  necessary. 
Then  reset  the  screw  so  that  the  break  is  not 
more  than  .025  of  an  inch. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  473 

Don't  forget  to  occasionally  brush  the  dis- 
tributer disc  and  interior  of  distributer  block 
clean  of  any  accumulation  of  carbon  dust. 

The  **E  U"  magneto  is  a  new  high  tension 
machine  designed  for  four  cylinder  motors  de- 
veloping as  high  as  40  horse  power. 

The  construction  of  this  magneto  embodies 
an  aluminum  base  to  which  the  pole  pieces  are 
secured,  and  between  which  revolves  an  arma- 
ture on  two  annular  ball  bearings.  The  circuit 
breaker  is  attached  to  one  end  of  the  armature 
shaft  and  revolves  with  it.  The  magneto  is 
self-contained,  having  both  a  primary  and  sec- 
ondary winding  on  the  armature. 

The  high  tension  winding  of  the  armature  is 
connected  to  a  collector  ring,  imbedded  in  a 
spool  mounted  on  the  driving  end  of  the  arma- 
ture shaft.  From  this  ring  a  carbon  brush  leads 
the  current  through  a  water-proof  holder  to  the 
center  of  the  distributer  disc. 

The  cam  holder  may  be  shifted  to  the  extent 
of  30  degrees,  enabling  an  advance  or  retard  of 
the  spark  to  be  obtained,  thereby  causing  igni- 
tion to  take  place  earlier  or  later. 

The  condenser  necessary  for  the  protection  of 
the  platinum  points  and  the  proper  functioning 
of  the  machine  is  placed  in  the  driving  head  of 
the  armature  and  revolves  with  it. 

The  distributer  consists  of  a  disc  of  insulating 
material  having  a  metal  segment  to  which  the 
high  tension  current  is  led  from  the  collector 
brush.     The   distributer  block  has   four   small 


474  The  Automobile  Handbook 

carbon  pencil  brushes  which  lead  the  current 
the  brass  connection  imbedded  in  the  block, 
which  the  plug  wires  are  fastened.  The  poj 
tion  of  the  segment  on  the  disc  can  be  sec 
through  the  little  window  in  the  face  of  ti 
distributer  block  for  the  purpose  of  setting  tl 
machine  when  timing. 

A  spark  gap  for  the  protection  of  the  armi 
ture  winding  is  located  at  the  inside  end  of  tl 
brush  holder  under  the  magnets. 

The  main  bearings  of  the  magneto  are  pr< 
vided  with  oil  <:ups,  and  a  few  drops  of  ligl 
oil  every  1,000  miles  are  sufficient  to  lubrical 
them.  The  breaker  arm  should  be  lubricate 
with  a  drop  of  light  oil  applied  with  a  toothpic 
to  the  hole  in  the  bronze  bearing  pivoted  o 
the  steel  pin.  The  cams  are  lubricated  by  a  fe 
packing,  and  a  little  oil  applied  to  the  holes  i 
the  edge  of  the  cams  wil.  last  a  long  time ;  ar 
surplus  oil  should  be  removec  and  care  take 
to  prevent  any  oil  getting  on  the  platinu 
points. 

The  proper   distance  between  the    platinu 
points  when  separated  should  be  .020  or  1/50  < 
an  inch.     A  bronze  gauge  of  the  proper  size 
attached  to  the  wrench  furnished  for  the  adjus 
mont  of  the  platinum  screw  and  lock  nut. 

The  fibre  roller  on  the  end  of  the  breaker  ar 
is  held  in  position  by  a  pawl  spring.  The  wea 
ing  surface  of  the  roller  may  be  renewed  1 
rotating  the  same  a  quarter  turn,  thus  bringii 
a  new  surface  to  bear  on  the  cam,  and  as  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  475 

are  four  slots  in  the  roller  four  wearing  surfaces 
are  available. 

To  time  the  magneto,  rotate  the  crank  shaft 
so  as  to  bring  the  piston  No.  1  cylinder  1/16 
of  an  inch  ahead  of  the  upper  dead  center  of 
the  compression  stroke.  With  the  timing  lever 
fully  retarted,  the  platinum  points  of  the  cir- 
cuit breaker  should  be  about  to  separate.  Some 
motors  may  require  an  earlier  setting. 

The  distributor  segment  should  show  in  the 
little  window  in  the  block  and  the  plug  wire  to 
No.  1  cylinder  should  be  fastened  under  the 
brass  nut  directly  over  the  segment.  The  rest 
of  the  plug  wires  should  be  fastened  in  turn 
according  to  the  proper  sequence  of  firing  of 
the  cylinders  to  which  they  lead. 

U  AND  H  Magneto.  The  particular  feature  of 
this  magneto,  is  that  the  starting  spark  is  a 
maximum,  whether  the  crank  is  turned  slowly 
or  fast. 

In  the  operation  of  the  U  and  H  magneto. 
Fig.  221,  a  low-tension  current  of  electricity  is 
generated  by  the  rotation  of  the  armature  of 
the  magneto.  An  interrupter,  or  timer,  inter- 
rupts the  flow  of  this  low-tension  current  at  the 
proper  time,  this  interruption  causing  a  high- 
tension  current,  similar  to  that  delivered  by  the 
induction  coil  of  a  battery  ignition  system,  to 
be  induced  in  the  rotating  armature  by  a  pe- 
culiar arrangement  of  the  windings  of  the  arma- 
ture. The  high-tension  current  is  conducted  to 
a  so-called  distributer,  the  duty  of  which  is  to 


476 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


distribute  the  high-tension  current  to  the  spark 
plugs  of  the  various  cylinders  in  the  proper  se- 
quence of  firing.  The  wiring  diagram  of  the  U 
and  H  magneto  is  shown  in  Fig.  222. 


Kg.  221 

U.  &  H.  Magneto 

The  maRnefo  consists  of  three  pairs  of  per- 
manent horseshoe  magnets,  placed  parallel, 
and  having  secured  to  each  of  their  free  enda 
a   soft   iron   block.      These   blocks   are  exactly 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


477 


ike,  and  form  a  permanent  magnetic  field, 
ley  are  bored  so  as  to  allow  an  armature  to 
volve  between  them.  The  armature  is  of  the 
uttle  type,  and  is  provided  with  a  double 


Inding.  The  inner  or  primary  winding  eon- 
5ts  of  a  few  layers  of  coarse  insulated  wire, 
le  outer  or  secondary  winding  consists  of  a 
•eat  number  of  layers  of  fine  insulated  wire, 
tie    beginning    of    the    primary   winding   is 


478  The  Automobile  Handbook 

grounded  to  the  armature  itself.  The  end 
the  primary  winding  is  connected  with  i 
carbon  brush  1,  which  is  carefully  insulai 
from  the  armature  shaft.  Brush  1  bears  agai 
the  interrupter  block  screw  2,  which  in  ti 
conducts  the  current  to  the  interrupter  block 
and  to  the  condenser  plate  4.  From  the  int 
rupter  block  3  the  current  is  conducted 
means  of  the  platinum  pointed  interrupter  C( 
tact  screw  5  to  the  platinum  contact  on  1 
interrupter  lever  6.  The  interrupter  lever 
has  metallic  contact  with  the  body  of  the  m\ 
neto,  and  is  therefore  grounded  and  in  el 
trical  connection  with  the  beginning  of  the  p 
mary  winding.  It  will  be  seen  that  when  1 
interrupter  lever  6  is  in  contact  with  intern 
ter  contact  screw  5,  the  primary  circuit 
closed,  and  the  primary  winding  of  the  arr 
ture  is  short-circuited. 

The  beginning  of  the  secondary  winding 
connected  to  the  end  of  the  primary  wind! 
being  in  fact  a  continuation  of  the  primj 
winding.  This  fact  should  be  borne  in  mi 
fis  it  has  direct  bearing  upon  the  results 
tained  with  this  magneto.  The  end  of  the  g 
ondary  winding  is  connected  to  the  armat 
slip  ring  7,  which  is  thoroughly  insulated  fr 
the  armature.  From  the  armature  slip  rini 
the  current  is  conducted  by  means  of 
brushes  8-8  to  the  distributer  slip  ring  9,  fr 
whence  it  is  led  to  the  distributer  brush  10 
means  of  the  distributer  brush  spring  seat 


The  Automobile  Handbook  479 

The  distributer  plate  13  is  provided  with  as 
many  brass  distributer  segments  14,  evenly 
spaced  around  the  distributer  bore,  as  there  are 
cylinders  to  be  fired,  and  as  the  distributer 
brush  is  revolved  it  comes  into  contact  in  suc- 
cession with  the  segments.  These  segments  are 
in  turn  connected  with  the  secondary  terminals 
15,  located  at  the  top  of  the  distributer  plate, 
one  terminal  for  each  cylinder.  From  these 
terminals  the  high  tension  current  is  conducted 


by  cables  to  the  spark  plugs  of  the  cylinders, 
from  whence,  after  jumping  the  gap  it  is  con- 
ducted to  the  grounded  end  of  the  primary  coil, 
through  the  primary  coil  to  the  beginning  of 
■  the  secondary  winding,  thus  completing  the  sec- 
ondary or  high  tension  circuit. 

U  AND  H  Intekkupteb.  The  interruption  of 
the  primary  circuit  is  accomplished  by  the  in- 
terrupter, as  shown  in  Pig.  223.  This  device 
consists  of  the  interrupter  plate  16,  which  is 


480  The  Automobile  Handbook 

located  in  the  interrupter  17.  Attached  to  the 
interrupter  plate  16  is  a  stud  18,  upon  which 
is  pivoted  the  interrupter  lever  6.  The  inter- 
rupter lever  is  provided  with  a  platinum 
pointed  contact  screw  19,  which  is  normally 
held  by  the  flat  spring  20  in  contact  with  the 
platinum  pointed  interrupter  contact  screw  5. 
The  interrupter  contact  screw  5  is  connected  to 
the  end  of  the  primary  winding,  as  already  de- 
scribed. 

Keyed  to  the  interrupter  end  of  the  armature 
shaft,  and  rotating  positively  with  the  arma- 
ture, is  the  interrupter  cam  housing  21.  Se- 
curely attached  to  the  interrupter  cam  housing 
is  the  interrupter  cam  22,  consisting  of  a  ring 
of  hard  fiber,  having  on  its  inner  face  two  pro- 
jections or  cam  faces  22A. 

The  interrupter  housing  17  is  held  in  accu- 
rate alignment  with  the  interrupter  cam  22  by 
the  construction  of  the  rear  end  plate  23,  and 
as  the  armature  revolves  the  projections  22A- 
22A  are  brought  into  contact  with  the  interrup- 
ter cam  pin  24,  causing  a  movement  of  the  in- 
terrupter lever  6  sufficient  to  separate  the  con- 
tact screws  5-19,  and  thereby  interrupt  the  pri- 
mary circuit  twice  in  every  revolution.  As  the 
projections  22A  continue  to  revolve,  the  inter- 
rupter lev(T  6  instantly  resumes  its  normal  po- 
sition, and  completes  the  primary  circuit.  The 
entire  housini?  of  the  interrupter  is  easily  re- 
moved for  inspection,  or  adjustment  by  push* 
ing  the  spring  clip  31  to  either  side. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  481 

Induction  Coil.  The  form  of  coil  generally 
used  on  gasoline  cars  is  known  as  the  jump- 
spark  coil.  It  is  of  two  types,  one  known  as  a 
plain  or  single  jump-spark,  the  other  as  a  vi- 
brator or  trembler  coil. 

A  jump-spark  coil  consists  essentially  of  a 
bundle  of  soft  iron  wire,  known  as  the  core, 
over  which  are  wound  several  layers  of  coarse 
or  large  size  insulated  copper  wire,  called  the 
primary  winding.  Over  this  are  again  wound 
a  great  many  thousand  turns  of  very  fine  or 
small  wire,  known  as  the  secondary  winding. 

Inertia.  Inertia  is  that  property  of  a  body 
by  which  it  tends  to  continue  in  the  state  of 
rest  or  motion  in  which  it  may  be  placed,  until 
acted  upon  by  some  force.  As  used  by  the  non- 
technical, it  is  almost  universally  employed  in 
the  former  sense,  i.  e.,  that  of  the  resistance 
which  a  body  offers  against  a  change  in  its  po- 
sition, an  inert  body  usually  being  intended,  so 
that  the  definition  is  perfectly  correct  so  far 
as  it  goes.  The  popular  impression  is  that  only 
inert  bodies  have  inertia,  it  being  likewise  gen- 
erally thought  that  a  moving  body  is  possessed 
of  momentum  alone,  whereas  an  object  at  rest 
is  possessed  of  inertia,  and  the  same  object  in 
movement  has  both  momentum  and  inertia. 

Insulating  Material.  Asbestos,  lava,  and  mica 
are  severally  used  for  the  insulation  of  spark 
plugs  and  sparking  devices. 

Vulcanized  fiber  or  hard  rubber  or  even  hard 
wood  are  used  for  the  bases  of  switches,  con- 


482  The  Automobile  Handbook 

nection  boards  and  other  places. 

India  rubber,  or  gutta-percha  form  the 
of  the  insulated  covering  of  wires  used  for 
trical  purposes.  The  coils  of  small  magnets 
the  cores  of  induction  coils  are  usually  wi 
with  cotton  covered  wire,  or  in  some  insti 
the  fine  wire  is  silk  covered,  as  in  the  cas 
secondary  or  jump-spark  coils. 

Joints,  Ball  and  Socket.  To  produce  a  de: 
joint  capable  of  operation  within  certain 
tations  in  any  direction,  the  ball  and  st 
form  of  joint  is  generally  used  on  the  enc 
the  rod  which  connects  the  arm  of  the  stee 
mechanism  with  the  steering  lever  attache 
the  hub  of  one  of  the  steering  pivots  of 
front  axle. 


COMPENSATING  DEVICE 

Fig.  22* 

Joints,   Compensating.    On  account   of 

distortion  of  the  frame  or  running  gear  o 


The  AutomoMle  Handbook 


483 


automobile,  due  to  unequal  spring  deflection 
and  irregularities  of  the  road  surface,  means 
should  be  provided  to  insure  flexible  joints  or 
connections  between  the  various  rotating  parts 
of  the  mechanism  of  a  car.  The  device  shown 
in  Figure  224  is  not  susceptible  to  any  great 
amount  of  angular  distortion,  but  will  transmit 
power  with  a  practically  uniform  velocity,  with 
the  axes  of  the  shafts  considerably  out  of  align- 


(•: 


KNUCKLE  JOINT 


Fig.  225 

ment  in  vertical  or  horizontal  parallel  planes. 

The  form  of  compensating  joint  shown  in 
Figure  226  may  be  operated  with  the  axes  of 
the  shafts  at  an  angle  to  each  other,  or  with  the 
shafts  out  of  alignment  with  each  other  in  ver- 
tical or  horizontal  parallel  planes,  and  has  quite 
a  range  of  operation  with  either  condition.   Both 


484 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Fig.  226 

forms  of  the  device  require  to  have  bearings  on 
either  side,  as  shown,  to  insure  their  proper 
working. 


Fig.  227 


The  Automobile  Handbook  485 


486  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Joints,  Knuckle.  Swivel  or  knuckle-jointa 
for  connecting  the  steering  arm  of  the  wheel,  or 
lever  steering  mechanism  to  the  arms  on  the 
knuckle-joints  of  the  steering  wheels  are  of  va- 
rious forms.  Figures  225  and  227  show  knuckle- 
joints  which  may  be  used  for  the  above  pur- 
pose. They  are  of  simple  construction  and 
practically  inexpensive  to  make.  They  may  lie 
used  with  any  standard  drop-forged  jaw-ends. 

Joint — Universal.  The  elementary  form  of  a 
universal-joint  or  flexible  coupling  consists  of  a 
spiral  spring.  Such  a  form  of  universal-joint  is 
sometimes  used  to  drive  a  rotary  pump,  or  a 
small  generator  on  a  car.  The  rear  wheels  or 
axle  of  a  car  are  sometimes  driven  by  means  of 
a  longitudinal  shaft  with  a  quarter-turn  drive 
on  a  counter  shaft,  or  a  bevel  gear  drive  at- 
tached to  the  differential  gear  of  the  rear  axle. 
In  such  cases  some  form  of  universal-joint  is 
necessary  to  allow  the  rear  wheels  and  axle  to 
accommodate  themselves  to  the  inequalities  of 
the  road  surface.  Three  forms  of  universal- 
joints  are  shown  in  Figure  228.  The  upper  view 
in  the  drawings  shows  the  form  most  generally 
used  on  motor-cars,  for  the  purposes  just  de- 
scribed. The  one  shown  in  the  center  view  will 
allow  a  greater  amount  of  angular  distortion 
than  the  form  sho^vn  in  the  upper  view,  but  is 
of  a  more  expensive  construction.  Where  only 
a  slierht  amount  of  angular  distortion  is  needed, 
the  construction  shown  in  the  lower  figure  in 
the  drawincr  i?  ver>'  suitable,  the  two  jaws  or 


The  Automobile  Handbook  487 

knuckles  of  the  joint  being  flexibly  attached 
by  means  of  a  plate  of  spring  steel. 

A  form  of  universal  joint,  or  flexible  coup- 
ling, of  recent  introduction,  is  that  making  use 
of  leather  or  other  flexible  material  securely 
fastened  to  two  forked  members  in  such  a  way 
that  with  the  members  placed  at  an  angle  to 
each  other,  power  is  delivered  from  one  to  the 
other  through  the  flexible  material  that  is 
fastened  to  both  of  them. 

Large  powers  are  transmitted  in  this  way  by 
using  a  ring  of  heavy  material  similar  to  tire 
fabric  and  fastening  the  couplings  of  the  two 
shafts  to  this  ring  at  alternate  positions  by 
secure  fastenings  and  bolts.  The  difference  in 
alignment  is  taken  care  of  by  the  ring  of  flex- 
ible material,  and  it  has  been  found  that  this 
form  of  drive  is  quite  free  from  trouble,  and, 
of  course,  requires  neither  lubrication  or  cover- 
ing against  dust  and  dirt. 
Kerosene  as  a  Fuel.  Kerosene  has  been  used 
as.  an  explosive  power,  and  crude  petroleum  is 
gaining  favor  as  an  efficient  liquid  fuel.  With 
a  specific  gravity  varying  from  0.78  to  0.82, 
and  a  vapor  flashing  point  at  120  to  125  de- 
uces Fahr.,  kerosene  ignites  at  135  degrees , 
Pahr.,  and  boils  at  400  degrees  Fahr.  Its  vapor 
is  five  times  heavier  than  air,  and  requires  76 
cubic  feet  of  air  to  one  cubic  foot  of  vapor  for 
its  combustion,  giving  22,000  heat  units  per 
pound,  or  4,000  more  than  gasoline. 

Kerosene  as  a  Cleansing  Agent.    Kerosene 


488  The  Automobile  Handbook 

injected  into  a  motor  cylinder  and  allowed  to 
remain  over  night  will  remove  all  deposit  from 
the  piston  head.  It  should  then  be  blown  out 
through  the  relief-cock  or  the  exhaust-valve. 

Knight  Engine.    See  Engine,  Knight. 

Knocking — Locating  Cause  of.  Tracing  a 
knock  is  sometimes  a  puzzling  job.  It  may  be 
in  one  of  the  main  bearings  of  the  engine,  in 
the  camshaft  bearings,  in  a  loose  valve  lifter, 
in  a  loose  camshaft  gear  key,  in  a  loose  pump 
or  magneto  drive  coupling,  an  unsuspected 
loose  bolt  between  two  parts  supposed  to  be 
fast,  or  in  any  of  a  dozen,  or  score  of  other  un- 
suspected places.  A  valuable  aid  in  locating  a 
mysterious  knock  is  a  flexible  speaking  tube 
such  as  is  used  with  phonographs.  One  end  of 
such  a  tube  can  be  held  to  the  ear  and  the 
other  moved  about  from  point  to  point  until 
the  exact  spot  is  found  where  the  noise  is  loud- 
est. Another  aid  is  a  light  bar  of  iron,  one  end 
of  which  is  pressed  against  the  part  where  the 
knock  is  suspected  and  the  other  touched  to  the 
forehead  or  the  teeth,  when  the  sound  is  clearly 
transmitted. 

Knocking  or  pounding  is  an  inevitable  warn- 
ing that  something  is  wrong  with  a  motor.  It 
may  be  due  to  any  of  the  following  causes : 

Premature  ignition :  The  sound  produced  by 
premature  ignition  may  be  described  as  a  deep. 
heavy  pound. 

losing  a  poor  grade  of  lubricating  oil  will 
caus(^  promaturo  ignition.    The  carbon  from  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  489 

I 

oil  will  deposit  on  the  head  of  the  piston  in 
cakes  and  lumps,  and  will  not  only  increase  the 
compression,  but  will  get  hot  after  running  a 
short  time  and  will  ignite  the  charge  too,  early, 
and  thereby  produce  the  same  effect  as  advanc- 
ing the  spark  too  much.  If  this  is  the  cause  the 
pounding  will  cease  as  soon  as  the  carbon  de- 
posit is  removed  from  the  combustion  chamber. 

Badly  worn  or  broken  piston-rings. 

Improper  valve  seating. 

A  badly  worn  piston. 

Piston  striking  some  projecting  point  in  the 
combustion  chamber. 

A  loose  wrist-pin  in  the  piston. 

A  loose  journal-box  cap  or  lock-nut. 

A  broken  spoke  or  web  in  the  flywheel. 

Flywheel  loose  on  its  shaft. 

If  the  spark  plug  be  placed  so  as  to  be  ex- 
actly in  the  center  of  the  combustion  space,  an 
objectionable  knock  occurs,  which  has  never 
been  fully  explained.  In  some  motors  it  ren- 
ders a  particular  position  of  the  spark  control 
lever  unusable;  this  form  of  knock  disappears 
either  on  making  a  slight  advance  or  retarda- 
tion of  the  ignition. 

Explosions  occurring  during  the  exhaust  or 
admission  stroke.  This  is  almost  always  due  to 
a  previous  misfire,  and  it  is  prevented  by  stop- 
ping the  misfires. 

If  the  ignition  is  so  timed  that  the  gases  reach 
their  full  explosion  pressure  during  the  com- 
pression stroke,  that  is,  if  the  spark  be  unduly 


490  The  Automobile  Handbook 

advanced  when  the  motor  is  not  running  at  a 
high  speed,  an  ugly  knock  occurs,  and  great 
pressure  is  developed  on  the  crank-pin  bearing, 
wrist-pin,  and  connecting  rod.  The  result  may 
be  the  bending  or  distorting  of  the  rod. 

The  crank-pin  may  not  be  at  right  angles  to 
the  connecting  rod. 

The  bearings  at  either  end  of  the  connecting 
rod  may  be  loose.  A  knock  during  the  explo- 
sion stroke,  and  also  at  each  reversal  of  the 
direction  of  the  piston. 

If  the  crank  shaft  is  not  perfectly  at  right 
angles  to  the  connecting  rod,  the  crank  shaft 
and  flywheel  will  travel  sideways  so  as  to  strike 
the  crank  shaft  bearings  on  one  side   or  the 

other. 

Lamps,  Electric.  The  small  incandescent 
lamps  used  for  automobile  lighting  are  almost 
invariably  of  the  tungsten  filament  variety. 
Two  types  are  in  use,  considered  from  the  bulb 
standpoint,  one  of  which  exhausts  the  air  from 
the  ])ulb  until  a  high  degreei  of  vacuum  is 
secured,  and  the  other  one  of  which  replaces 
the  air  with  the  inert  gas,  nitrogen.  One  is 
called  the  vacuum  bulb  and  the  other  the  nitro- 
pren  ])ulb.  Two  types  of  bulb  base  are  in  use. 
the  single  contact,  in  which  one  side  of  the  cir- 
cuit is  secured  through  metal  of  the  base,  and 
tho  (louhh^  contact  with  two  insulated  leads. 
Lamp  bulbs  vary  in  diameter  from  %  to  2-1/16 
inclu'S. 

Lighting,    seo  Starting  and  Lighting  Systems. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  491 

Lubrication.  To  ensure  easy  running,  and 
reduce  the  element  of  friction  to  a  minimum  it 
is  absolutely  necessary  that  all  surfaces  rubbin,fij 
together  should  be  supplied  with  oil  or  lubri- 
cating grease,  but  it  is  also  a  fact,  not  so  well 
understood,  that  different  kinds  of  lubricant 
are  necessary  to  the  different  parts  or  mechan- 
isms of  a  motor  car. 

As  the  cylinder  of  an  explosive  motor  oper- 
ates under  a  far  higher  temperature  than  is 
possible  in  a  steam  engine,  consequently  the  oil 
intended  for  use  in  the  motor  cylinders  must 
be  of  such  quality  that  the  point  at  which  it  will 
burn  or  carbonize  from  heat  is  as  high  as  possi- 
ble. 

While  a  number  of  animal  and  vegetable  oils 
have  a  flashing  point,  and  yield  a  fire  test  suf- 
ficiently high  to  come  within  the  above  require- 
ments, they  all  contain  acids  or  other  sub- 
stances which  have  a  harmful  effect  on  the 
metal  surfaces  it  is  intended  to  lubricate. 

Lubricating  Oils.  The  qualities  essential  in 
a  lubricating  oil  for  use  in  motor  cylinders  in- 
clude a  flashing  point  of  not  less  than  500  de- 
grees Fahrenheit,  and  fire  test  of  at  least  600 
degrees,  together  with  a  specific  gravity  of  25.8. 

At  350  to  400  degrees  Fahrenheit,  lubricating 
oils  are  as  fluid  as  kerosene,  therefore  the  ad- 
justment of  the  feed  should  be  made  when  the 
lubricator  and  its  contents  are  at  their  normal 
heat,  which  depends  on  its  location  in  the  car. 
Steam  engine  oils  are  unsuitable   for    the    dry 


492  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ueat  of  motor  cylinders  in  which  they  are  de- 
composed whilst  the  tar  is  deposited. 

All  oils  will  carbonize  at  500  to  600  degrees 
Fahrenheit,  but  graphite  is  not  affected  by 
over  2,000  degrees  Fahrenheit,  which  is  the  ap- 
proximate temperature  of  the  burning  gases  in 
an  explosive  motor.  The  cylinder  of  these  mo- 
tors may  attain  an  average  temperature  of  300 
to  400  degrees  Fahrenheit.  So  that  graphite 
would  be  very  useful  if  it  could  be  introduced 
into  the  motor  cylinder  without  danger  of  clog- 
ging the  valves,  and  could  be  fed  uniformly. 
These  difficulties  have  not  yet  been  overcome. 
Graphite  is  chiefly  useful  for  plain-bearings  and 
chains. 

The  film  of  oil  between  a  shaft  and  its  bear- 
ing is  under  a  pressure  corresponding  to  the 
load  on  the  bearing,  and  is  drawn  in  against 
that  pressure  by  the  shaft.     It  might  not  be 

■ 

tlion^lit  ])ossible  that  the  velocity  of  the  shaft 
nnd  the  adhesion  of  the  oil  to  the  shaft  could 
produce  a  sufficient  pressure  to  support  a  heavy 
load,  ])ut  the  fact  may  be  verified  by  drilling  a 
hoh^  in  the  bearing  and  attaching  a  pressure 
gau^ie. 

K()ll(»r  and  ball-bearings  provide  spaces,  in 
which,  if  the  oil  used  contains  any  element  of 
an  oxidizing  or  gumming  nature,  a  deposit  or 
nil  adhesive  film  forms  upon  the  sides  of  the 
chamber,  the  rollers  or  balls,  and  the  axle.  This 
dc^posit  will  add  to  the  friction,  hence  it  is  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  493 

more  important  to  use  a  good  oil,  or  a  petro- 
leum jelly  in  such  bearings. 

Air-cooled  motors,  being  hotter  than  water- 
cooled,  must  have  a  different  lubricant,  or  one 
capable  of  withstanding  higher  temperatures. 

The  effect  upon  animal  or  vegetable  oils  of 
such  heat  would  be  to  partially  decompose  the 
oils  into  stearic  acids  and  oleic  acid  and  the  con- 
version of  these  into  pitch.  Such  oils  are  there- 
fore inadmissible  for  air-cooled  motor  use. 

Mineral  oils  are  not  so  readily  decomposed 
by  heat,  but  at  their  boiling  points  they  are 
converted  into  gas,  and  any  oil,  the  boiling 
point  of  which  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
working  temperature  of  the  motor  cylinder,  is 
useless,  as  its  body  is  too  greatly  reduced  to 
leave  an  effective  working  film  of  oil  between 
the  cylinder  and  the  motor  piston. 

The  essentials  for  the  proper  lubrication  of 
air-cooled  motors  are : 

That  the  oil  should  not  decompose. 

That  it  should  not  volatilize,  as  this  will  re- 
sult in  carbon  deposits. 

That  its  viscosity  should  be  equal  to  that  of 
a  good  steam  engine  oil  at  similar  temperatures. 

That  it  should  be  fluid  enough  to  permit  of 
its  easy  introduction  into  the  cylinder. 

That  it  will  have  no  corrosive  effect  on  the 
cylinders  and  no  tendency  to  gum. 

That  it  will  not  oxidize  with  exposure  to  air 
and  light. 

Ltjbbtcattng  Devices.     Some  makers  of  verti- 


494 


The  Automobile  Hmidbook 


cal  cylinder  motors  use  the  splash  system, 
whereby  oil  fed  by  gravity  from  a  tank  above 
the  level  of  the  crank-case  flows  into  the  crank- 
case,  whence  it  is  splashed  over  the  piston  and 
the  wrist  and  crank-shaft  bearings.  The  large 
end  of  the  connecting  rod,  which  works  in  the 
crank-case,  is  made  to  dip  or  splash  into  a  bath 
of  oil.  This  lubricates  the  crank-pin.  The 
splashing  is  invariably  utilized  to  lubricate  the 
cylinder  by  wetting  the  bottom  of  the  piston 


Fig.  229 

and  splashing  into  the  cylinder.  A  little  ring  is 
sometimes  made  in  the  crank-case,  into  which 
the  oil  collects  and  into  which  also  the  end  of 
the  piston  dips. 

Fig.  229  shows  a  vertical  cylinder  motor  using 
splash  lubrication. 

The  various  methods  of  oiling  outlined  under 
Luhrication  Systems  should  be  noted,  inasmuch 
as  they  give  the  principles  by  which  any  sys- 
tem may  be  classified.  Practically  all  appli- 
cations are  modifications  of  one  or  the  other. 


The  Automoiile  Handbook 


McCord  Mechanical  Oiler.  A,  Center  Post.  B, 
Worm  Wheel.  C,  Drive  Shaft.  D,  Plunger, 
E.  Yoke.  F,  Cam.  G,  Plunger  Spring.  H, 
Adjusting  Screw.  I.  Bashet,  J,  Center  Poet 
Spring.  K,  Spring  Guide.  L,  Spiaer.  M,  Stuff- 
ing Pad.  N,  StufTing  Box.  O,  Gland  Lock  Nut. 
P,  Stuffing  Gland.  Q,  Bleeder  Nut.  R,  Spider 
Lid  Screw.  S,  Lid  Screw.  T,  Lid  Frame.  U, 
Safety  Ratchet.     V,  Oil  Inlet  Port. 


496  The  Automobile  Hatidbook 

The  number  of  feeds  used  varies  on  the  dif- 
ferent cars  from  two  to  fourteen,  depending 
upon  the  number  of  cylinders  and  bearings 
used  on  the  engine.  In  a  six-cylinder  car,  it  is 
usual  to  find  four  feeds  going  to  the  crankshaft 
bearings,  six  to  the  cylinders,  three  to  the 
cranhcase,  and  one  to  the  fan  bearing. 


Fig.  231 
Hancock  Mechanical  Oiler 

When  mechanical  oilers  are  used  for  labri> 
eating  the  motor,  the  erank-case  is  usually  di- 
vided into  partitions,  most  of  them  dividing  it 
into  halves,  one  compartment  for  the  two  front 
cylinders  and  the  other  for  the  two  rear  cylin- 
ders. Sometimes  three  partitions,  giving  four 
compartments,  are  used.  This  arrangement 
gives  one  portion  for  each  connecting  rod. 
When  this  construction  is  used,  the  center  par- 
tition will  be  found  higher  than  the  other  two. 

A  force  feed  lubricator  usually  consists  of 
an  oil  tank  through  which  passes  a  shaft,  which 
has  a  slow,  but  constant  motion  throi^h  me- 


The  Automobile  Sandbook  497 

chanical  connection  with  the  engine.  This  shaft 
successively  operates  by  means  of  cams,  or  oth- 
erwise, a  series  of  small  piston  pumps,  usually 
submerged  in  the  oil,  each  pump  feeding  an  oil 
tube.  The  piston  displacement  of  each  pump 
may  be  adjusted  independently  by  changing  the 
length  of  stroke  so  that  any  amount  of  oil  de- 
sired may  be  delivered.  Each  pump  stroke  cor- 
responds with  a  definite  number  of  engine 
strokes. 

In  some  systems  of  force  f^ed  lubrication  the 
oilers  are  made  without  valves,  double  plungers 
being  used  to  force  oil  to  the  sight  feeds,  and 
drawing  positively,  from  the  sight  feed  and 
forcing  to  the  delivery  points. 

The  Hancock  lubricator,  Fig.  231,  is  of  this 
type,  and  action  is  as  follows :  Worm  A  drives 
worm  gear  B  and  the  shaft  to  which  it  is  at- 
tached. On  this  shaft  are  two  eccentrics  C 
which  impart  a  reciprocating  motion  to  rod  D 
carrying  rocker  arms  E,  and  E'.  To  one  end 
of  these  arms  are  fastened  pistons  F,  and  F'. 
The  crank  G  is  secured  to  the  taper  shaft  H, 
and  through  connecting  rod  J  a  rocking  mo- 
tion is  transmitted.  This  taper  shaft  H  is  pro- 
vided with  holes  K,  which  on  the  suction  stroke 
register  with  the  openings  L,  and  \J,  and  the 
pistons,  and  on  the  forcing  stroke  with  open- 
ings M,  M,  and  the  pistons.  The  arrows  indi- 
cate the  direction  of  flow  of  the  oil  to  delivery 
points,  the  quantity  being  regulated  by  con- 
trolling the  stroke  of  piston  F  through  the  lost 


498 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


motion  allowed  between  the  stop  rod  L  and  : 
ulating  piece  0.  P  is  the  regulating  acrew,  j 
vided  with  a  projection  Q,  which  fits  firmly  : 
the  upper  end  of  piece  0,  forming  a  posi 
locking  device  Shaft  H  is  equipped  at 
end  with  a  sprmg  R  which  holds  it  to  its  s 


At  the  other  end,  washer  S  and  two  lock-nu 
and  T'  hold  the  shaft  in  its  correct  posil 
Th(!  shaft  is  thus  allowed  to  run  free  in  its  g 
rcfiiiiring  but  little  power.  Any  number 
fi'pds  from  one  to  sixteen  may  be  used  to  ^ 
aniiinst  pressure.  In  the  Lavigne  meehai 
oiler,  Fig.  232,  the  pumps  are  without  c\ 


The  Aviomobile  Handbook  499 

valves,  or  springs  of  any  kind.  The  plungers 
P,  are  raised  and  lowered  by  arms  A  attached 
to  the  drive  shaft.  On  the  up  stroke  a- certain 
quantity  of  oil  is  drawn  into  each  pump  cylin- 
der, and  on  the  down  stroke  this  quantity  is  dis- 
charged. 

At  the  base  of  each  plunger  is  an  oscillating 
valve  V,  which,  as  illustrated,  has  the  opening 
0  ready  for  the  up  stroke,  so  that  oil  may  be 
drawn  from  the  reservoir  into  the  plunger.  Be- 
fore the  down  stroke  begins,  the  valve  is  oscil- 
lated by  a  cam  device  so  that  the  entrance  O  is 
closed  and  the  oil  is  directed  through  the  lead 
L,  which  connects  with  the  bearings.  There  is 
a  time  when  the  plunger  L,  is  stationary  at  the 
top,  and  also  at  the  bottom  of  the  stroke,  which 
is  achieved  by  the  cross  head  H,  which  raises 
and  lowers  the  plunger.  This  cross  head  slides 
on  the  plunger  until  it  contacts  with  a  lower 
shoulder  S  and  an  upper  one  T.  And  during 
the  period  of  no  movement  of  the  plunger  the 
valve  V  is  being  oscillated  to  be  ready  to  open 
the  entrance  0  for  intake  stroke,  and  another 
passage  for  the  expulsion  stroke. 

The  Pierce- Arrow  oiling  system,  Fig.  233,  is 
partly  positive,  and  partly  gravity.  The  oil 
pump  is  positively  driven  from  the  engine,  and 
pumps  the  oil  from  the  crank  chamber  up  into 
the  reservoir  located  on  the  engine.  Pipes  lead 
from  this  reservoir  to  every  crankshaft  bear- 
ing, the  flow  to  the  bearings  being  by  gravity 
under  a  head  of  twelve  inches,    which    corre- 


500  The  Automobile  Handbook 

sponds  to  a  pressure  of  about  six  ounces.  The 
crankshaft  bearings  are  drilled  hollow,  and  in 
this  way  the  erankpins  and  large  ends  of  the 
connecting  rods  are  lubricated,  A  gauge  is 
usually  placed  on  the  dash  to  indicate  the  quan- 
tity of  oil  in  the  reservoir. 

The  Pierce  system  does  not  allow  any  oil  to 
1  in  the  crankcase,  the  oil  flying  oflE  the 


erankpins  beiiip  sufficient  to  lubricate  the  cyiin- 
dors.  As  there  is  ahvnys  a  mist  of  oil  flying 
around  in  the  crankcase,  it  is  known  as  the 
"mist"  system. 

As  shown  iu  Fifr.  2^3  the  oil  supply  is  car- 
rii'il  in  a  siiiup  K  bcin'titli  th<'  crankcase,  and 
thf  cranki'aso  bottfun  is  sloped  towards  the 
center  so  ihiit  oil  fallinff  in  it  is  immediately 


The  Automobile  Handbook  501 

drained  into  the  sump.  The  gear  pump  P, 
driven  from  the  camshaft  through  a  vertical 
shaft,  elevates  the  oil  to  a  tank  T  carried  above 
the  cylinder  heads,  and  from  this  a  lead  L 
passes  direct  to  each  of  the  crankshaft  bearings. 
From  these  bearings  the  oil  passes  through  the 
drilled  crankshaft  to  the  lower  bearings  of  the 
connecting  rods,  whence  any  overflow  falls  into 
the  crankcase,  or  is  thrown  into  the  cylinders 
in  the  form  of  a  mist  through  the  slot  in  the 
baffle  plate,  closing  the  lower  end  of  the  cylin- 
der to  prevent  an  excess  of  oil  getting  on  the 
walls.  This  mist  not  only  cares  for  the  cylin- 
der walls,  but  also  oils  the  wrist-pin  bearing. 
The  flow  of  the  oil  through  the  leads  L  from  the 
tank  to  the  bearings  is  regulated  by  thimbles 
]M,  inserted  in  the  upper  ends  of  the  leads  where 
they  enter  the  oil  tank,  and  in  each  thimble  is 
a  small  opening  which  allows  only  a  limited 
amount  of  oil  to  flow.  The  size  of  the  openings 
in  the  thimbles  is  varied  to  suit  the  demand  of 
the  bearings  for  oil. 

Flywheel  Oiling  Systems.  In  the  Ford  fly- 
wheel system  of  oiling  illustrated  in  Fig.  234, 
the  flywheel  casing  serves  as  an  oil  reservoir, 
and  the  rotation  of  the  wheel  throws  the  oil  up 
into  pockets,  from  whence  it  is  conducted 
through  pipes  to  the  crank-case.  The  angle  ot 
the  pipes  is  such  that  even  on  extreme  grades 
there  is  sufficient  drop  to  insure  a  flow  of  oil. 
A  depression  M  is  found  in  the  crank  case  be- 
neath each  connecting  rod,   in  order  to  limit 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


the  amount  of  oil  carried  in  the  crankcase,  and 
also  to  insure  an  even  level  of  oil  withio  the 


Drillixq  Oil  Passages  in  the  Crank  Shaft. 
Figs.  2:15  and  236  show  two  different  tnethodc 
of  drilling  the  crankshaft  to  convey  the  oil  to 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


503 


the  crankpins,  and  it  will  be  noticed  that  the 
oil  holes  discharge  at  the  highest  point  of  the 
revolution,  corresponding  to  the  position  of  the 
piston  at  the  beginning  of  the  power  or  firing 
stroke.  The  supply  is  received  by  the  main 
bearings  from  the  oil  pump  and  the  oil  hole  in 
the  shaft,  coinciding  with  that  from  the  oiler 
has  a  little  oil  forced  in  each  revolution  and, 
generating  centrifugal  force  throws  it  rapidly 
through  the  passages.  The  majority  of  modern 
motors  are  equipped  with  splash  lubrication 
and  have  the  connecting  rods  dip  into  the  oil 


Fig.  235 

each  revolution  and  splash  it  all  over  the  inside 
of  the  crankcase.  Some  types  are  equipped 
with  a  scoop  pointing  in  the  direction  of  rota- 
tion, at  the  lower  end  of  a  passage  connecting 
with  the  crank  pin.  The  oil  is  sent  into  these 
passages  with  considerable  force,  owing  to 
speed  of  rotation,  thus  assuring  sufficient  oil  to 
the  connecting  rod  bearings. 

This  is  worked  to  the  ends  of  the  bearing  and 
thrown  off  in  the  shape  of  a  fine  mist  that  pen- 
etrates to  every  part  of  the  crankcase.  The  oil 
splashed  onto  the  lower  cylinder  walls  and  not 


e 


04 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


carried  up  by  the  piston  is  caught  in  little 
troughs,  cast  in  the  crankcase  and  drilled  so 
that  the  oil  runs  down  to  the  main  bearings. 
In  addition  to  the  pipe  from  the  oiler,  the  bet- 
ter designs  provide  an  oil  wick,  or  an  oil  ring 
or  chain,  all  types  carrying  oil  from  a  shallow 
pocket  corded  in  the  bearing  cap,  the  wick  by 
capillary  attraction,  and  the. ring  or  chain,  re- 
volving with  the  shaft,  their  lower  ends  im- 
mersed in  the  oil  will  carry  up  a  considerable 
quantity  that  will  spread  over  the  shaft.     This 


Fig.  236 


oil  ring  system  is  used  very  successfully  in  elec- 
tri('al  machinery.  With  a  splash  lubrication  it 
is  advisable  to  drain  the  crankcase  at  frequent 
intervals,  and  also  to  put  in  a  fresh  supply  of 
oil. 

Cai-e  should  be  exercised  to  select  heavy  oil 
for  air-cooled  engines  or  old  engines,  and  a  com- 
paratively light  oil  for  new  cars. 

Cylinder  Oil  Testing.  There  are  really 
two  parts  to  the  fire  test,  as  it  is  called.  One  is 
the  test  for  flash  point.    This  may  be  determined 


,The  Automobile  Handbook  605 

as  follows:  Take  two  pieces  of  glass  of  the 
same  size,  and  large  enough  to  cover  a  small 
glass  beaker.  In  one  of  them  cut  a  couple  of 
notches.  These  are  for  two  purposes.  One  is 
for  the  thermometer  and  the  other  for  the  flash 
point  determination.  Insert  a  thermometer  in 
the  beaker,  filled  with  the  oil  under  test.  Place 
the  notched  glass  over  this  and  the  other  piece 
of  glass  over  that,  taking  care  to  cover  the 
notch  not  in  use.  Now  uncover  this  notch,  note 
the  temperature,  and  apply  a  lighted  match  to 
the  opening.  If  nothing  results,  warm  the  oil 
slowly  over  a  flame  to  a  higher  temperature 
and  take  another  trial  and  reading.  Continue 
the  test  until  upon  the  application  of  the 
lighted  match  the  oil  vapor  over  the  oil  flashes. 
The  thermometer  reading  at  that  point  gives 
the  flash  point.  The  glass  plates  may  now  be 
removed,  and  heating  continued.  The  match  is 
applied  at  similar  intervals,  until  finally  the  oil 
burns,  which  will  usually  occur  at  about  50  de- 
grees above  the  flash  point. 

An  additional  test  is  for  precipitation  at  a 
known  temperature.  This  is  also  made  in  a 
beaker.  Two  ounces  is  the  usual  amount.  It 
is  heated  to  the  desired  temperature,  at  which 
the  oil  may  change  color,  but  must  not  show  a 
precipitation.  Still  another  good. oil  test  is  the 
evaporation  test.  This  is  the  result  of  slow 
heating,  and  the  usual  specification  is  that  the 
oil  shall  not  lose  over  5  per  cent,  of  its  volume 
when  heated  to  150  degrees  Fahr,  for  12  hours. 


506  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Lubricating  Syst^ims: 

Full  Force  Feed,  Oil  is  forced  by  pump 
pressure  to  the  main  bearings  and,  by  means 
of  drilled  holes  in  crank  webs,  to  crank  pins  and 
through  hollow  connecting  rods,  or  oil  pipes 
attached  thereto,  to  the  wrist  pins.  Oil  returns 
to  sump,  or  reservoir,  and  is  circulated  again. 

Force  Feed.  Oil  is  forced  by  pump  pressure, 
or  the  centrifugal  force  of  the  revolving  fly- 
wheel, to  main  bearings  and  through  drilled 
holes  in  crank  webs  to  crank  pins.  The  wrist 
pins  and  cylinder  are  supplied  by  oil  thrown 
from  connecting  rods.  The  connecting  rods  do 
not  dip.  Oil  returns  to  sump,  or  reservoir,  and 
is  circulated  again. 

Force  Feed  and  Splash,  .Oil  is  forced  by 
pump  pressure,  or  the  centrifugal  force  of  the 
revolving  flywheel,  to  the  main  bearings  and 
through  drilled  holes  in  the  crank  webs,  to  crank 
pins.  The  oil  from  the  main  bearings  falls  to 
wells  in  the  bottom  of  the  crank  case,  or  to  ad- 
justable troughs,  into  which  the  connecting  rods 
dip  and  splash  oil  to  all  parts  of  the  engine. 

Splash.  A  constant  level  is  maintained  in  the 
crank  case  by  an  overflow  to  the  sump,  or  reser- 
voir, below,  whence  the  oil  is  circulated  again. 

Lubrication  op  Gears  and  Clutches.  The 
modern  ball-])earing  gear  box  requires  but  lit- 
tle attention.  Periodic  filling  with  suitable  lub- 
ricants is  sufficient.  On  chain-driven  cars  the 
g(»ars  and  differential  are  usually  exposed  by 
lifting   one   cover.     On   shaft-driven   cars   the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  507 

differential  and  rear  axle  system  requires  a  cer- 
tain amount  of  attention,  as  too  much  oil  in  the 
differential  is  liable  to  leak  through  the  axle 
sleeve  and  hub,  usually  getting  on  the  brake 
drums.  If  this  happens,  the  best  thing  to  do  is 
to  jack  the  wheel  up  and  squirt  gasoline  on  the 
drum,  slowly  revolving  it  meanwhile.  Manu- 
facturers usually  put  a  plug  in  the  differential 
case  showing  the  proper  height  at  which  to  keep 
the  oil  level.  The  gear  box  should  be  kept  a 
little  less  than  half  full.  If  too  much  is  put  in, 
the  oil  will  be  thrown  out  of  the  shaft  and 
bearing  housings,  but  a  little  leakage  does  no 
harm  as  there  is  always  dust  present  and  the 
oil  leaking  will  serve  to  fill  the  crevices  and 
make  the  case  dust-tight.  In  regard  to  the 
wheels,  universal  joints,  clutch,  and  many  lit- 
tle places  about  the  car,  all  need  attention  oc- 
casionally as  almost  any  motor  car  driver 
knows. 

The  wheels  should  be  cleaned  and  packed 
with  grease  once  or  twice  a  season,  universal 
joints  at  intervals  necessarily  shorter.  Latest 
designs  provide  for  their  lubrication  through 
the  shaft  from  the  gear  box.  Earlier  types  are 
best  packed  in  grease  and  enclosed  in  a  leather 
boot.  On  many  shaft-driven  cars,  where  the 
shaft  runs  through  a  sleeve,  daily  attention 
should  be  given.  The  lack  of  a  few  drops  of 
oil  may  rob  the  car  of  50  per  cent  of  its  power. 
Multiple  disc  clutches  use  oil,  or  an  oil  and  ker- 
osene mixture,  and  the  tendency  seems  to  be 


508  The  Automobile  Handbook 

for  the  oil  to  gum.    Their  action  when  slipping 
or  dragging  is  sufficient  indication  as  to  when 
they  are  in  need  of  attention.     Leather-faced 
clutches  will  work  much  better  when  cleaned 
with  kerosene  and  given  a  dose  of  neatsfoot  or 
castor  oil.     The  oil  should  be  spread  over  the 
surface  of  the  leather  by  using    a   long  knife 
blade,  or  by  running  the  motor  for  a  few  mo- 
ments with  the  clutch  released.    When  treating 
the  clutch  leather  this'  way  it  is  better  to  let 
it  stand  over  night  if  possible,  and  with  the 
emergency  brake  lever,   or  a  block  of  wood 
against  the  pedal  hold  the  clutch  disengaged. 
A  hand  oil  can  with  a  long  spout  is  almost  in- 
dispensable, and  the  starting  crank,  the  steer- 
ing pivots  and  connections,  and  the  spark  and 
throttle   connections,    gear   control   and   emer- 
gency brake  levers,  clutch  and  brake  pedals, 
shafts  and  connections  and  the  fan  bearings 
will  all  work  much  quieter  and  sweeter  for  a 
few  drops  of  oil  regularly.    It  is  the  practice  of 
drivers  to  fill  the  oil  can  from  the  cylinder  oil 
supply  and  this  practice  is  to  be  commended, 
as  many  lower  grade  oils  contain  acids  enough 
to  etch  steel. 

Gear  Case  and  Rear  Axle.  It  is  a  familiar 
fact  that  the  gear  ease  requires  to  be  periodic- 
ally emi)tied  of  oil,  and  the  accumulated  metal 
grit  washed  out  before  fresh  oil  is  supplied.  The 
same  is  true  of  the  rear  live  axle  casing,  except 
that  the  gears  in  the  axle  do  not  clash  and 
therc^fore  do  not  wear  out  as  fast  as  the  change 


The  Automobile  Handbook  509 

speed  gears.  At  least  once  in  a  season  the  oil 
in  the  rear  axle  should  be  drained  out,  a  liberal 
supply  of  kerosene  introduced,  and  the  axle 
jacked  up  while  the  engine  is  run  to  agitate  the 
oil  and  wash  out  the  differential,  etc. 

Magnetic  Gear  Shift.  The  electric  gear  shift 
may  be  said  to  consist  of  two  units,  the  **  shift- 
ing assembly,"  or  group  of  magnets  attached  to 
the  transmission  case,  and  the  ** selector-switch," 
or  push-button  group,  located  on  the  top  of  the 
steering  column.  The  electrical  current  required 
to  energize  the  magnets  is  derived  from  a  stor- 
age battery,  Fig.  237,  ordinarily  supplied  as 
part  of  the  starting  and  lighting  systems  on  all 
cars. 

The  selector-switch  is  made  up  of  a  number 
of  buttons,  one  for  each  speed,  and  one  for  the 
'* neutral"  which  has  not  electrical  connection. 
There  is  also  a  button  for  operating  the  horn. 
These  buttons  are  provided  with  arched,  lami- 
nated contacts  of  copper,  backed  up  with  a  steel 
spring  and  insulated  from  the  button  proper. 
The  top  of  the  switch  carries  a  locking-plate  for 
locking  any  button  which  may  be  depressed  and 
also  carries  an  interlock,  which  makes  it  impos- 
sible to  press  down  more  than  one  button  at  a 
time.  At  the  bottom  is  a  hard  rubber  base, 
which  carries  a  copper  contact  for  each  button 
and  a  contact  common  to  all  speeds.  It  also 
serves  as  a  base  for  the  return  spring  provided 
for  each  button. 


Tke  Automobile  Handbook 


The  wiring,  Pig.  238,  consists  of  a  lead  paa 
ing  from  each  coil  throu(^  a  terminal  block 


Fig.  237 
Action  of  the  Magnetic  Qear  Shift 

its  particnlar  speed  button  on  the  select 
switch,  while  the  other  lead  from  the  eoU 
joined  to  a  neutral  wire  directly  through 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


511 


terminal  block  to  the  battery,  with  a  master- 
switch  intervening,  while  another  wire  from  the 
battery  passes  through  the  terminal  block  to  the 
contact  of  the  selector-switch  which  is  common 
to  all  speeds.  The  current  travels  from  one  ter- 
minal of  the  battery  through  the  depressed  push 
button  on  the  selector-switch,  down  and  around 
the  coil  selected,  and  then  back  to  the  other  ter- 
minal of  the  battery. 


PUSH-BUTTONS  ARE  ^ 
MOUNTED  UND6R 
STEERING  WHEEL 


GEAR  SHIFTING 
MECHANISM 


IS  MOUNTED  ON  TOP  OF  TRANSMISSION  CAS^ 

Fig.  238 
Connections  of  the  Magnetic  Gear  Shift 

The  Vulcan  electric  gear  shift  mechanism  con- 
sists of  a  case  which  is  attached  to  the  transmis- 
sion housing.  This  case,  in  turn,  carries  the 
magnets  or  solenoids.  These  in  turn  surround 
the  plungers  on  which  the  shifting  forks  which 
move  the  sliding  gears  in  the  transmission  are 
mounted.  In  this  case,  also,  is  carried  the  oper- 
ating mechanism  by  means  of  which  the  gears 


512  The  Automobile  Handbook 

are  mechaxiically  drawn  to  their  neutral  position 
through  a  connection  with  the  clutch  pedal.  The 
case  is  divided  into  two  compartments,  the  small- 
er of  which  is  a  pocket  in  which  the  operating 
mechanism  for  the  neutralizing  of  the  gears  and 
the  operation  of  the  master-switch  is  carried. 
This  compartment  is  entirely  enclosed  on  the 
bottom,  and  is  not  open  to  the  transmission  case. 

The  neutralizing  mechanism  consists  of  two 
shafts  on  which  cams  are  mounted.  One  of  these 
shafts  carries  a  pawl  which  engages  with  a  latch 
on  a  rocker  arm.  Upon  the  opposite  end  of  this 
rocker  arm  shaft  is  mounted  a  lever  through 
which  the  connection  with  the  clutch  pedal  is 
made. 

Assuming  that  all  gears  are  in  a  neutral  posi- 
tion (that  is,  the  sliding  gears  are  not  in  mesh), 
and  it  is  desired  to  start,  the  first  speed  button 
on  the  selector-switch  is  depressed,  closing  one 
l)reak  in  the  electric  circuit.  The  operating 
lever  and  the  shaft  on  which  it  is  mounted  are 
rotated  and  the  master-switch  is  pulled  into  en- 
gagement through  its  connection  with  the  oper- 
iii'mo;  mechanism  which  engages  the  switch  stem. 
As  llie  gear  flashes  into  mesh,  and  is  within  ^<{ 
inch  from  being  *'home,"  the  master-switch 
siia])s  out  instantly,  due  to  the  action  of  the 
master-switeh  spring,  thus  breaking  the  electric 
oireuit.  The  actual  time  of  engagement  during 
wliieh  current  is  being  drawn  from  the  battery 
is  less  than  1/S  of  a  second. 

Being  in  first  speed,  and  desiring  to  proceed 


The  Automobile  Handbook  513 

to  another,  the  other  speed  button  upon  the  se- 
lector-switch may  be  depressed  at  the  conveni- 
ence of  the  driver.  Then,  when  it  is  desired  to 
shift,  the  clutch  is  fully  depressed  as  before. 

As  the  neutralizing  cams  rotate  toward  the 
center,  they  press  against  a  boss  on  whichever 
side  the  gear  is  in  engagement.  This  mechanic- 
ally pulls  the  shifter  fork  and  gear  with  which 
it  is  engaged  back  to  neutral  position,  before  the 
next  shift  can  be  made.  The  electric  circuit  is 
again  made  complete,  the  current  flows  from  the 
battery  through  the  solenoid  selected  and  the 
proper  gear  immediately  jumps  into  engage- 
ment. This  action  is  the  same  for  all  speeds 
in  the  transmission. 

Should  it  be  desired  to  stop,  the  neutral  but- 
ton on  the  selector-switch  is  pressed.  This  action 
throws  any  other  button  which  may  have  been 
depressed  out  of  contact,  that  is,  it  automatically 
raises  any  other  button  which  may  have  been 
depressed  previously. 

Any  selection  may  be  made,  at  any  time,  by 
pressing  any  push  button  on  the  wheel.  This 
selection,  however,  does  not  necessarily  influence 
the  changing  of  the  gears  in  the  transmission. 
In  fact,  nothing  happens  until  the  master-switch 
is  closed  by  the  pressing,  all  the  way  down,  of 
the  clutch  pedal. 

In  the  operation  of  this  device  the  clutch 
pedal  may  be  slipped  or  fully  released  without 
any  action  taking  place  in  the  gear  shift  mech- 
anism itself.     This  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the 


514  The  Automobile  Handbook 

operating  lever  is  attached  to  the  clutch  pedal 
by  means  of  an  operating  rod  provided  with  a 
link  mechanism,  which  allows  the  clutch  pedal 
to  fully  release  the  clutch  before  it  starts  to  pull 
on  the  operating  lever. 

Magnetic  Transmissioa^  see  Cha^ige  Speed 
Gears, 

Magneto;  see  Ignition,  Magneto. 


ADMISSION  PIPE 


Fig.  239 

Manifold,  Inlet.  The  internal  diameter  of 
the  a(hnission  or  inlet-pipe  leading  from  the 
carbureter  to  the  admission-valve  chamber  should 
not  exceed  one-fourth  the  diameter  of  the  motor 
cylinder. 

Til  is  limitation  is  necessary  in  order  to  pro- 
diiet!  as  great  a  partial  vacuum  as. is  possible  in 
1h(»  admission-pipe.  The  carbureter  should  be 
l)laee(l  as  close  as  possible  to  the  admission- 
valve  chamber  of  the  motor  in  order  to  secure 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


515 


the  best  results.  Short  turns  or  bends  in  the 
admission-pipe  greatly  increase  the  air-friction 
in  the  pipe,  and  at  high  speeds  greatly  diminish 
the  volume  of  the  charge  drawn  into  the  cylin- 
der by  the  inductive  or  suction  action  of  the 
motor-piston.  An  admission-pipe  with  a  side 
inlet  and  short  bends,  for  a  two-cylinder  motor, 
is  shown  in  Fig.  239.     Such  forms  of  construc- 


Fig.  240 

tion  should  be  avoided  whenever  possible.  Fig. 
240  shows  an  admission-pipe  of  approved  de- 
sign, with  long  bends,  for  a  two-cylinder  motor. 
The  radius  of  curvature  of  the  pipe  on  its  cen- 
ter line  should  not  be  less  than  twice  the  out- 
side diameter  of  the  pipe.  If  space  allows,  a 
radius  of  three  times  the  outside  diameter  of 
the  pipe  will  give  better  results  than  two  diam- 


516  The  Automobile  Handhook 

The  desire  to  prevent  condensation  of  the 
gasoline  vapor  in  the  inlet  manifold  has  led 
many  designers  to  fasten  the  carburetor  flange 
directly  to  the  cylinder  casting  at  the  point  of 
entrance  to  the  inlet  valve  passages.  Others 
have  either  completely  or  partially  water-jack- 
eted the  inlet  manifold  for  its  entire  length.  In 
all  cases,  the  distance  between  the  carburetor 
mixing  chamber  and  the  inlet  valve  port  is 
made  as  short  as  possible. 

A  troublesome  condition  on  many  cars  is 
that  caused  bv  minute  air  leaks  in  the  inlet 
piping  and  connections.  If  carburetor  adjust- 
ment is  difficult,  squirt  liquid  gasoline  on  the 
inlet  connections  with  the  engine  running.  Any 
change  in  engine  speed  is  a  sure  indication  that 
one  or  more  air  leaks  exist. 

Motor,  Electric  Vehicle.  A  well  designed 
motor  for  use  in  connection  with  a  storage  bat- 
tery for  automobile  propulsion  must  be  capable 
of  withstanding  an  overload  of  over  100  per 
cent  for  at  least  thirty  minutes  at  a  time,  or  for 
even  a  longer  period,  without  unduly  over- 
heating. The  motors  used  on  electric  automo- 
])iles  are  usually  series-wound,  as  this  type  of 
wiiidinof  has  been  found  to  give  the  most  satis- 
factory results  in  general  use. 

There  are  three  types  of  electric  motors  in 
*rcncral  use,  these  are : 

Shunt-wound  motors,  in  which  the  field-mag- 
n(*ts  are  wound  with  a  great  many  turns  of 


The  Automobile  Handbook  517 

very  small  wire,  the  ends  of  which  are  directly 
connected  to  the  terminals  of  the  commutator 
brushes. 

Series-wound  motors,  which  have  the  field- 
magnets  wound  with  a  few  turns  of  very  large 
wire.  One  end  of  this  wire  i^  connected  to 
one  commutator  brush  terminal.  The  other  end 
of  the  wire  on  the  field-coils,  and  the  other  brush 
terminal  being  connected  with  a  battery  or 
other  source  of  current. 

Compound-wound  motors  are  a  combination 
of  the  above  motors,  having  the  field-magnets 
double-wound,  that  is  with  both  shunt  and 
series-windings. 

The  armature  of  an  electric  motor  is  built  up 
of  a  number  of  disks  of  sheet  iron,  which  are 
separated  from  each  other  by  a  suitable  coating 
of  varnish  or  by  the  use  of  thin  sheets  of  paper 
between  the  disks,  this  is  to  prevent  what  are 
known  as  eddy  currents,  which  are  a  source  of 
constant  trouble  if  not  eliminated. 

The  function  of  the  commutator  of  an  electric 
motor  is  to  receive  the  current  from  the  battery 
or  other  source  of  power^  by  means  of  the 
brushes,  and  transmit  it  to  the  windings  or 
coils  upon  the  periphery  of  the  armature. 

The  essential  features  of  an  electric  motor 
are  as  follows : 

The  brushes,  which  are  located  upon  and 
around  the  periphery  of  the  commutator  and 
serve  to  transmit  the  current  to  the  commutator 
from  the  outside  source  of  supply. 


518  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  Sl9 

The  commutator  or  current  distributor,  and 
laminated  wrought  iron  armature. 

The  field-magnets  and  pole-pieces;  the  lat- 
ter are  usually  an  extension  of  the  magnet  core. 

The  magnet  frame,  usually  of.  cast  steel. 

Figure  241  shows  a  form  of  series-wound 
electric  motor  of  the  style  most  commonly  used 
for  automobile  work.  The  motor  is  of  the  four- 
pole  type,  having  its  field-coils  arranged  at 
equi-distant  points  around  the  periphery  or  cir- 
cumference of  the  armature.  The  armature 
shaft  is  carried  by  ballbearings,  with  suitable 
screw  and  clamp  adjustment  as  shown.  The 
armature  is  of  the  slot-wound  type  and  has  a 
commutator  with  self-adjusting  carbon  brushes. 
The  left-hand  extension  of  the  armature  shaft 
is  fitted  with  a  'key  and  washer  for  the  driving 
gear  or  sprocket,  while  the  right-hand  end  has 
a  pulley  or  brake  wheel  to  use  for  stopping  the 
car  under  ordinary  conditions  of  travel.  The 
magnet  frame  is  of  cast  steel,  and  the  magnet 
cores  and  armature  disks  of  laminated  wrought 
iron.  The  field-coils  are  machine-wound,  and 
the  armature  coils  form-wound,  while  both  are 
thoroughly  taped  and  waterproofed.  The  com- 
mutator generally  has  the  same  number  of  sec- 
tions as  the  armature  has  slots  and  is  usually 
of  large  diameter  and  wide  contact  face. 

Electric  Motor  Troubles.  Electric  motor 
troubles  may  be  classed  as  follows:  Open- 
circuits,  improper  connections  and  short-cir- 
cuits. .  — %?- 


520  The  Autotnobile  Handbook 

An  Open-circuit  may  be  found  at  any  one  of 
the  following  places: 

Battery  terminals.  These  may  be  badly  cor- 
roded or  worked  loose,  sq  as  to  form  a  poor  or 
improper  electrical  contact. 

Controller.  A  connection  may  have  worked 
loose,  or  the  spring  contact-fingers  are  not  mak- 
ing good  contacts. 

The  removable  plug  may  be  out  or  not  mak- 
ing  a  proper  contact. 

Brushes.  One  of  the  carbon  brushes  of  th»' 
motor  may  have  fallen  out,  or  the  brush  springs 
may  be  too  weak  to  insure  a  good  contact. 

The  rev^Tsing  switch  may  be  halfway  over. 
thus  leaving  the  batteries  and  motor  on  an 
oi)en  circuit. 

All  points  of  contact,  such  as  terminals  or 
binding-posts,  ])rush-holders,  switches  and  cou- 
trolh^r  spring  contact-fingers,  should  be  bright 
and  clean  so  as  to  give  a  perfect  metal-to-metal 
contact. 

The  fact  that  the  car  will  not  start  and  the 
anini('t(M'  sliows  no  current  indication  is  gener- 
ally an  indication  of  improper  battery  connec- 
tions. 

WluMi  th(*  diiVerent  trays  of  the  battery  are 
not  pi'()])('rly  connected  together,  short-circuits 
will  occui'  between  these  sections  and  run  down 
or  (\\liaiist  the  batteri<'S  in  a  very  short  time. 
All  l)att(»ry  terminals  should  be  plainly  marked 
so  that  it  is  impossible  to  make  wrong  connec- 
tions.    If  the  trouble  above  stated  occurs  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  521 

battery    trays    must    b€|    wrongly    connected, 
amongst  themselves. 

If  the  ammeter  indicates  a  large  current  and 
the  motor  refuses  to  turn,  the  trouble  is  what  is 
known  as  a  short-circuit,  or  a  path  for  the 
current  outside  of  the  motor. 

Lift  one  of  the  commutator  brushes,  and  if 
the  amperage  shown  by  the  ammeter  drops,  or 
perhaps  disappears  altogether,  one  of  the  field- 
coils  is  short-circuited  or  there  is  a  broken  wire 
touching  some  part  of  the  metal  of  the  car  or 
an  exposed  portion  of  another  wire. 

Electric  Motors,  Speed-Regulation  op.  The 
speed  and  consequently  the  power  of  an  electric 
motor  may  be  varied  in  three  ways,  as  follows: 

First,  by  introducing  variable  resistances  in 
the  motor  and  battery  circuit. 

Second,  by  varying  the  voltage  of  the  bat- 
teries by  different  combination  of  the  battery 
trays. 

Thirdly,  by  connecting  the  field-coils  of  the 
motor;  all  in  series,  in  series-parallel  and  all  in 
parallel.  Various  other  combinations  of  the 
above  named  methods  may  also  be  had. 

Muffler,  Exhaust.  When  the  exhaust  gases  of 
an  explosive  motor  are  allowed  to  pass  out 
through  the  exhaust  pipe  directly  into  the  at- 
mosphere, the  sharp  explosions  rapidly  suc- 
ceeding each  other  are  very  annoying,  and  it 
is  for  this  reason  that  the  device  termed  an 
exhaust  muffler  is,  or  at  least  should  be,  used. 


522 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Various  types  of  mufflers  are  in  use,  each  no 
doubt  possessing  its  own  particular  merit.  The 
function  of  the  muffler  is  to  deaden  the  noise  of 
the  escaping  gases,  and  the  general  re(iuire- 
nients  of  the  device  are  as  follows:  (1)  It  must 
be  built  strong  enough  to  withstand  the  force 
of  any  explosion  liable  to  occur  within  it,  due 
to  the  escape  of  an  unexploded  charge,  which 
may  take  place  in  one  of  the  engine  cylinders. 
(2)  It  must  check  the  velocity  of  the  escaping 


1 


MU 


Fig.  242 

gases  without  causing  too  much  back  pressure 
on  tlie  motor.  ('])  It  must  deaden  the  noise. 
Tlic  last  two  ro(iuirements  may  be  attained  by: 
(a"*  Birakinp:  up  the  gases  into  a  number  of 
tiM<'  streams:  (b)  Allowing  the  gases  to  expand 
and  cool;  (c)  Reducing  the  pressure  of  the 
^Mses,  until  tliey  are  as  nearly  as  possible  at 
atni()splieri(!  pressure. 

The  terminal  or  c^xhaust  pressure  ranges  at 
i'l'oin  -10  to  r)()  ])()un(ls  per  S([.  in.  above  atraos- 
])lieri(r  pressure,  wliile  the  temperature  will  be 
800  to  1100  doj?reesF. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


523 


Muffler  Cut-Outs.  Mufflers  are  generally 
equipped  with  muffler  cut-outs,  which  by-pass 
the  gas  so  that  it  exhausts  direct  into  the  at- 
mosphere with  its  attendant  noise.  There  are 
three  reasons  why  they  are  so  equipped,  namely : 
to  tell  if  the  engine  is  exploding  regularly ;  to 
clean  the  exhaust  pipe ;  to  have  it  act  as  a  safety 
valve  in  case  of  explosions  in  the  muffler.  If  the 
power  of  the  engine  increases  when  the  muffler 
is  cut  out,  it  is  a  sure  sign  that  the  muffler  is  of 
defective  design  or  needs  cleaning. 

Muffler  Cut-Out  Valve.  One  form  of  cut- 
out valve  is  shown  in  Fig.  243.  It  is  inserted 
in  exhaust  pipe  P,  by  sawing  a  hole  in  its  imder 


Fig.  243 
Muffler  Cut-Out  Valve 


side.  The  cut-out  valve  housing  clamps  to  the 
pipe  by  a  couple  of  V-clamps.  The  valve  is 
carried  in  a  cylindrical  compartment  under  the 
exhaust  pipe,  and  consists  of  a  spring  closed 
poppet  valve  a  little  larger  in  diameter  than  the 
internal  diameter  of  the  exhaust  pipe.  It  opens 
against  the  exhaust  pressure  to  prevent  leakage. 


524  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Care  of  Mufflers.  From  time  to  time,  all 
mufflers  should  be  cleaned,  because  it  will  be 
found  that  they  will  contain  a  considerable 
amount  of  carbon  deposists.  These  deposits  not 
only  tend  to  increase  the  back  pressure,  but 
they  retain  the  heat  of  the  exhaust,  thus  al- 
lowing the  gases  to  escape  at  a  higher  tempera- 
ture than  they  should.  A  muffler  should  be 
taken  apart  and  cleaned  once  a  year,  or  oftener 
if  there  are  any  indications  of  loss  of  jwwer, 
resultant  from  back  pressure. 

A  frequent  cause  of  damaged  or  broken  muf- 
flers is  the  practice  of  ignition  testing  employed 
by  some  mechanics.  In  case  of  trouble  with 
either  source  of  ignition,  the  car  is  run  at  a 
rather  high  speed  on  the  good  system,  and  the 
ignition  switch  is  then  quickly  turned  to  the 
faulty  side.  If  no  explosions  result,  the  switch 
is  again  changed.  In  the  time  during  which  no 
explosions  occurred  in  the  engine,  the  unbumed 
mixture  was  pumped  back!  into  the  muffler* 
When  the  switch  is  thrown  to  the  good  side, 
the  first  power  stroke  sends  a  flame  into  the 
muffler  with  the  result  that  an  explosion  occurs 
there,  usually  damaging  the  muffler  seriously. 

Packing'.  Packing  or  material  for  making 
gas,  or  water-tight  joints  is  of  various  kinds. 
Asbestos  packing  comes  in  sheets,  called  asbes- 
tos paper  or  board,  in  the  form  of  woven  cloth, 
and  also  as  string  or  rope.  Rubber  packing  is 
made  in  shoots,  either  plain  or  with  alternate 
layers  of  canvas  and  rubber.     Some  forms  of 


The  Auiomobile  Handbook  525 

packing  are  known  as  Rubberbestos,  and  Vul- 
cabestos,  and  are  made  of  asbestos,  impregnated 
with  rubber  and  afterwards  vulcanized. 

Picric  Acid.  Gasoline  will  absorb  or  take  up 
about  5  per  cent  of  its  weight  of  picric  acid. 
The  addition  of  a  small  quantity  of  kerosene 
will  enable  the  gasoline  to  absorb  about  10  per 
cent  of  pircric  acid. 

Picric  acid  is  only  dangerous  when  fused,  or 
when  in  a  highly  compressed  state. 

An  increase  in  motor  eflSciency  of  about  20 
per  cent  is  claimed  for  the  picric-gasoline  mix- 
ture. 

About  three-tenths  of  a  pound  of  picric  acid 
is  required  for  each  gallon  of  gasoline.  The 
mixture  should  be  allowed  to  stand  for  two 
days,  agitating  occasionally*  during  this  time, 
then  strain  through  two  or  three  thicknesses 
of  very  fine  muslin  before  using. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  picric  acid  is  an 
etching  ingredient,  which  is  another  way  for 
saying  that  it  will  destroy  the  cylinder  walls. 

The  explosive  force  of  picric  acid  is  very 
much  overrated.  If  thrown  upon  a  red  hot 
plate  of  iron,  it  simply  burns  with  a  smoky 
flame,  and  striking  a  small  quantity  of  it  upon 
an  iron  anvil  will  not  explode  it. 

Piston  Head  Scraper.  In  most  engines  the 
piston  heads  can  be  scraped  clean  of  carbon 
without  removing  the  pistons  from  the  cylinders, 
by  means  of  specially  formed  scrapers  intro- 
duced through  the  opening  over  the  valves,  or 


526  The  Automobile  Handbook 

through  the  spark  plug  holes  when  the  latter 
are  horizontal.  The  form  and  size  of  scraper 
will  depend  on  the  particular  engine,  but  al- 
most any  suitable  form  may  be  made  from  5-16- 
inch  steel  tubing  about  12  inches  long  hav- 
ing the  ends  hammered  fiat,  and  turned  over  at 
right  angles  in  a  vise.  The  ends  are  then 
filed  straight,  and  sharp,  and  the  shank  of  the 
scraj)er  may  be  bent  to  right  or  left,  if  neces- 
sary, or  left  straight.  Frequently  two  scrapers 
will  be  needed  in  order  to  use  both  right  and 
left  hand  bends.  The  advantage  of  tubing  for 
this  purpose  is  that  no  blacksmith  work  is  nec- 
essary. 

Platinum.  The  contact  points  of  the  vibrator 
of  an  induction  coil  should  always  be  of  plati- 
num. German  silver  or  any  other  metal  spoils 
thi'  quickness  of  the  break  on  account  of  the 
jiTc^ater  tendency  of  the  contact-points  to  car- 
bonize, Avhen  of  any  other  metal  than  platinum. 
Spark  plug  points  should  also  be  of  platinum 
or  iridio-platinum,  which  is  better  yet,  as  it  is 
nsorci  capable  of  withstanding  the  intense  heat 
in  llie  combustion  chamber  than  the  platinum 
its(4f.  Any  otluT  metal  than  platinum  (except 
gold)  will  turn  green  or  black  if  tested  with 
nitric  acid. 

Polarity.  To  ascertain  the  polarity  of  the 
terminals  of  a  storage  battery  or  light  circuit, 
])lacc  the  ends  of  the  wires  on  the  opposite  ends 
of  a  small  piece  of  moistened  litmus  paper.  The 


The  AtUomobile  Handbook       "    527 

rire  on  the  side  of  the  paper  which  has  turned 
ed  is  the  negative  pole  of  the  battery. 

Porcelain.  Porcelain  tubes  used  for  the  in- 
ulation  of  the  center  rod  of  a  spark  plug  have 
ligher  insulative  properties  than  lava  or  mica, 
►ut  on  account  of  the  liability  of  the  porcelain 
o  break  from  too  sudden  change  of  tempera- 
ure,  it  is  not  as  reliable  as  other  forms  of  in- 
ulating  material. 

Poimding — Causes  of.  The  most  obvious 
ause  of  pounding  is  that  of  a  spark  advanced 
00  far.  This,  however,  nearly  always  occurs 
ipon  hills,  in  deep  sand  or  mud,  or  elsewhere, 
whenever  the  engine  is  laboring  very  hard.  In 
he  case  of  too  far  advanced  spark,  manipula- 
ion  of  the  spark  would  only  make  the  pound 
7orse  than  ever.  So,  too,  if  the  spark  was  nor- 
aally  set  too  far  advanced,  it  would  pound 
fiore  at  high  speeds  than  at  slow,  just  the  re- 
erse  of  the  actual  case. 

Preignition  causes  pounding,  and  is  itself 
aused  by  overheated  piston  or  cylinder  walls, 
irlowing  points  or  deposits  of  carbon  within 
he  cylinder,  as  well  as  faulty  or  uncertain  igni- 
ion  also  cause  it.  Leaks  in  the  chamber  are 
ometimes  the  cause  of  pounding,  so  too,  are 
3()seness  of  parts.  Among  the  latter  may  be 
ited:  connecting  rod  bearings,  main  bearings, 
30se  flywheel,  cracked  flywheel,  other  lost  mo- 
ion.  Beyond  these  things,  the  only  other  cause 
f  pounding  is  that  of  some  moving  part  which 
trikes  as  it  rotates. 


528  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Preignition — Causes  of.  If  the  inside  sur- 
faces of  the  combustion  chamber  are  free  from 
sharp  corners  or  projections  formed  in  casting, 
preignition  is  probably  due  to  the  combined  in- 
rtuences  of  high  compression,  and  carbon  or  dirt 
on  the  piston  head.  Next  to  the  exhaust  valve 
itself  the  piston  head  is  the  hottest  part  of  the 
engine,  since  it  cannot  be  water  cooled.  For 
this  reason  it  is  much  more  important  to  keep 
the  piston  head  clean  than  the  other  surfaces 
exposed  to  flame,  and  this  is  best  accomplished. 
first,  by  the  use  of  a  good  non-carbonizing  oil, 
and,  second,  by  thoroughly  screening  the  air 
intake.  If  preignition  is  troublesome  it  will 
pay  to  fit  a  dust  screen  underneath  the  engine 
in  case  none  is  already  provided,  since  what- 
ever (lust  touches  the  piston  head  will  be  held 
th(Te  by  the  oil,  and  will  be  fully  as  eflPective  in 
causing  preignition  as  the  same  amount  of 
car])()n.  The  intake  itself  should  draw  air 
through  at  least  one,  and  preferably  two  or 
morc^  fine  wire  gauze  screens  of  suflBeiently  large 
ar(ui  to  permit  the  air  to  pass  through  them 
slowly.  Those  screens  should  be  removable,  and 
should  be  inspected,  and  cleaned  with  gasoline 
and  a  tootli])nish  as  often  as  may  be  neeessarj'. 
It  will  ])e  found  that  the  fitting  of  a  suitable 
(lust  scHM^n  l)en(vith  will  make  an  immense  dif- 
f(M*ciicc  in  the  amount  of  cleaning,  which  the 
gauzf^  screens  rofjuire.  In  the  manufacture  of 
high  classed  motor  cars  the  greatest  care  is 
tak(Mi  in  scraping  the  walls  and  dome  of  the  eyl- 


The  Automobile  He    ibook  529 

inder  castings  forming  the  combustion  space, 
the  aim  being  to  remove  every  projection  that 
might  cause  a  pre-ignition  point  as  also  to  re- 
move every  burr,  or  rough  spot  to  which  for- 
eign matter  would  adhere.  The  lubrication 
system  of  a  car  is  a  most  important  factor  in  the 
elimination  of  preignition  due  to  the  proper 
amount  of  oil  being  fed  to  the  cylinders  at  all 
times. 

Pump,  Water.  The  circulating  pump  is 
used  in  the  belief  that  it  affords  a  means  for 
regulating  the  temperature  of  the  jacket  water 
supply,  which  would  not  always  be  the  case 
with  a  thermal-syphon  system.  Such  is  not  the 
case,  as  the  pump,  being  driven  direct  from  the 
motor,  operates  at  a  speed  which  varies  with 
the  motor  speed.  On  starting  the  motor,  it 
pumps  cold  water  into  the  jacket.  It  pumps 
slowly  at  slow  speeds,  although  the  motor  may 
be  taking  a  full  charge  and  heating  rapidly.  It 
pumps  fast  at  high  speeds,  although  the  wind 
pressure  and  its  consequent  cooling  effect  may 
be  very  great.  If  a  circulating  pump  could  be 
used  in  connection  with  a  device  to  control  the 
regulation  of  the  motor  temperature,  the  results 
would  be  more  satisfactory. 

Eotary  pumps  used  in  the  water  circulating 
system  of  gasoline  automobile  motors  are  of  two 
forms,  centrifugal  and  positive,  or  force-feed. 
A  positive  or  force-feed  rotary  pump  is  shown 
in  Figure  244.  An  annular  ring  around  the 
pump  shaft  carries  two  blades,  one  of  which  is 


530 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


hinged  to,  and  the  other  attached  directly  to 


Fig.  244 

the  pump  shaft.  The  outer  ends  of  the  blades 
are  supported  in  the  periphery  of  the  annular 
ring,  and  rotate  eccentrically  with  it.  The 
pump  shaft  is  concentric  with  the  pump  cham- 
ber, but  the  annular  ring  is  located  eccentrically 
around  the  shaft,  which  drives  it  by  means  of 
the  fixed  blade  on  the  shaft. 

Fig.  245  illustrates  another  form  of  posi- 
tive-feed rotary  pump,  in  which  the  pump  shaft 
is  eccentrically  located  in  the  pump  chamber. 
A  short  cylinder  which  forms  a  part  or  portion 
of  the  piuiip  shaft,  carries  two  blades  in  a  slot- 
t(jd  opening  parallel  to,  and  coincident  with  the 
axis  of  the  pump  shaft.  Those  blades  are  kept 
in  contact  with  the  interior  periphery  of  the 
piuiip  chamber  by  means  of  coil  springs,  located 
betwc^en  the  blades  as  shown.  Eotation  of  the 
cylinder  in  the  pump  chamber  causes  a  sliding 


The  Auto\     bile  handbook 


Mi 


reciprocating  action  af  the  blades,  due  to 


Fig.  245 

pressure  of  the  coil  springs  between  their 
er  ends. 

^umps — Centrifugal.    In  this  type  of  pump 

height  of  lift  is  governed  by  the  tangential 

3e.  Owing  to  this  fact  centrifugal  pumps  for 

on  automobiles  may  be  made  of  aluminum 

the  housing,  as  it  is  both  light  and  strong, 

y  able  to  withstand  the  pressure,  there  being 

rubbing    surfaces.     The    wheel,    however, 

uld  be  made  of  phosphor  bronze  of  a  good 

de.     In  these   pumps   the   suction   inlet  is 

ally  at  one  side  surrounding  the  axis,  see 

.  246.  The  pump  should  be  geared  to  a  speed 

ligh  if  not  higher  than  the  crankshaft  speed. 

J  minimum  peripheral  velocity  of  the  pump 

3el  should  be  500  feet  per  minute.    For  au- 

lobile  service  the  general  rule  is  to  have  a 


532 


The  Automobile  Handitook 


three  vane  wheel,  and  the  cwving  is  away  from 
the  direction  of  rotation. 

Pumps,  Water  Circolatug.    If  steam  ia  seen 
coming  from  the  relief,  or  outlet  of  the  water 


Fip.  246 
Scetion  of  a  Centrifugiil  Wnter  Tump,  Showing 
of  Water  ut  the  Sid,:  Ar.miiil  the  Shaft 


firciilatinp  system,  look  for  a  blockage  of  the 
eircnlaticm,  or  failure  of  the  pump. 

If  some  of  the  radiator  tiiln's  are  cool  and 
Htlicrs  arc  hot,  look  to  the  pump. 

To  tfst  the  pnmp  before  startinp:,  nm  the 
motor  for  a  few  minutes.    Then  asccrtaiD  how 


The  Aviomobile^  Handbook  533 

long  it  takes  before  the  top  radiator  tubes  are 
thoroughly  hot.  If  the  heat  of  the  pipes  is  uni- 
form the  circulation  is  all  right. 

Rheostat.  A  rheostat  is  a  device  for  regulat- 
ing the  flow  of  current  in  a  closed  electrical 
circuit,  by  introducing  a  series  of  graduated 
resistances  into  the  circuit. 

Rubber,  India.  All  articles  made  of  com- 
mercial rubber  should  be  kept  from  contact 
with  oil,  kerosene,  gasoline  or  grease  if  they 
are  to  be  kept  in  good  condition.  Vulcanized 
rubber  should  not  be  exposed  to  a  temperature 
of  more  than  130  degrees,  Fahrenheit.  Com- 
mercial or  vulcanized  rubber  contains  not  to  ex- 
ceed 30  to  35  per  cent  of  pure  India  rubber,  as 
its  stretching  quality,  stickiness  and  rapid  dete- 
rioration under  the  action  of  light  and  air  make 
its  sole  use  undesirable. 

EuBBER  Cement,  How  to  Make.  Marine  glue, 
so-called,  is  an  excellent  cement.  This  consistR 
of  one  pound  of  caoutchouc  to  one  gallon  of  coal 
tar  naphtha,  and  twenty  pounds  of  shellac. 
Heat  gently  and  pour  on  metal  plates  to  solidify. 
When  needed,  melt.  By  using  more  naphtha, 
this  is  made  thinner  so  as  to  stay  liquid.  The 
sulphur  in  this  is  in  the  caoutchouc,  but  if  found 
insufficient  in  any  one  case,  more  sulphur  may 
be  added  to  the  cement  in  the  powdered  form, 
when  making  it  up,  or  if  necessary,  when  re- 
melting. 

Another    excellent    cement    is    gutta-percha 


534  The  AutoHiubdc  Handbook 

eciiient.  The  composition  of  this  is  two  part> 
of  gutta-percha  to  one  part  of  common  pitcii 
It  is  melted  together,  and  well-stirred  in  the 
melting,  the  stirring  being  fully  as  important 
as  the  materials.  When  thoroughly  melted  aiM 
stirred,  it  is  ])Oured  into  cold  water.  This  mak<'s 
it  into  a  hard  brittle  substance,  which  softens 
at  a  low  temperature,  and  at  100  degrees  is  a 
thin  fluid.  Like  the  former  recipe,  this  carries 
its  oAvn  sulphur  in  the  gutta-percha,  but  if  mon' 
is  neeessary,  it  can  be  added  as  a  powder.  lu 
til  is  ease,  it  is  not  advisable  to  add  the  sulphur 
(luring  the  remelting  process,  but  it  should  be 
put  in  while  making  up  a  batch  of  the  cement. 

As  a  rule,  as  little  cement  should  be  us(h1  as 
is  i)()ssibl(^  to  make  a  good  job.  Moreover,  all 
(Moment  should  be  giv(*n  plenty  of  time  to  dry. 
Knl)])er  surfaces  to  be  united  should  be  thor- 
oughly eleMn(Ml.  either  with  naphtha  or  with  a 
lliiii  (MMiient.  When  the  latter  is  us(»d,  it  is 
brushed  over  the  surface  very  lightly,  using  a 
fine  brush,  and  then  the  surfaces  are  heated 
ircntly.  This  helps  the  whole  operation,  because 
it  both  softens  th(^  rubber,  and  evaporates  the 
solvnit.  wliieli  is  tlien  unnecessary  to  complete 
llic  o]><'rn1ion.  hnviiig  scTved  its  usefulness. 

In  addition  to  1h(*  various  substances  men- 
tions 1  bd'orc  For  ('(Mnents.  it  is  very  often  neees- 
sni'v  to  linvc  tlie  ccnnMit  dry  very  rapidly,  Tr 
these  r.Mses.  sp(M*i[i(»  (Iricrs  are  added,. and  may 
usnnlly  bt*  nddcd  to  nny  cement  at  will,  tho 
f|unntity  nddctl  Ix'ing  mivisured  only  by  the  re- 


I'he  Automobile  Handbook  535 

quired  speed  in  drying.  Then  there  are  eases 
where  certain  degrees  of  tenacity  are  required. 
For  these,  other  gums  are  added,  as  rosin,  mas- 
tic, gumlac,  etc.  These,  however,  should  be 
used  only  when  needed,  and  much  discretion 
should  be  used  in  adding  them  to  an  already 
very  satisfactory  cement. 

Running  Grear.  A  complete  running  gear  in- 
cludes the  frame,  springs,  wheels,  motor,  speed- 
change-gear,  axles  and  the  machinery  of  the 
car  except  the  body.  The  French  word,  chassis, 
is  sometimes  used  to  designate  a  running  gear, 

Secondary  Current.  The  current  which  takes 
its  rise  in  the  fine  wire  of  the  induction  coil,  and 
which  flows  through  the  wire  to  the  spark  plug, 
is  induced  in  the  fine  wire  by  the  sudden  rever- 
sal of  the  magnetism  of  the  iron  core. 

This  change  of  magnetism  is  caused  by  the 
sudden  interruption  of  the  primary  current. 

Self-firing,  Causes  of.  If  the  motor  should 
continue  to  run  after  the  switch  has  been 
opened,  it  is  due  to  an  insufficient  supply  of 
lubricating  oil,  causing  the  motor  to  overheat, 
or  to  the  presence  of  soot  or  some  projection  in 
the  combustion  chamber  becoming  incandes- 
cent. It  may  also  be  due  to  lack  of  water  or 
to  the  water  circulation  working  poorly,  caus- 
ing the  motor  to  overheat. 

Shaft  Drive.  The  principal  advantages  which 
may  be  advanced  for  the  shaft  drive  are,  absence 
of  noise,  convenience  with  which  all  the  parts 
may   be   housed    in    oil    and    protection   from 


536 


The  Atitomobile  Handbook 


dust.  It  is  especially  adapted  for  use  upon  cars 
carrying  their  engines  in  front,  with  the  crank- 
shafts parallel  with  the  length  of  the  car,  as  the 
direction  of  the  power  shaft  does  not  have  to 
,be  changed  until  the  rear  axle  is  reached,  and 
as  the  power  must  also  pass  through  one  set  of 
bevel  gears,  it  is  more  efficient. 

The    principal    disadvantages    of   the    shaft 
drive  are  that  it  is  difficult  to  repair ;  it  is  some- 


Fig.  247 


Pouring  Parson's  Metal 


what  more  complicated;  it  has  considerable 
end-thrust  and  it  is  claimed  that  it  is  harder  on 
the  tires. 

Shop  Kinks.  To  reline  a  journal  box  with 
Parson's  white  brass,  proceed  as  follows:  Pre- 
pare a  r('as()na])ly  smooth  cast  iron  plate  A,  Fig. 
247,  which  is  bored  to  receive  a  vertical  man- 
drel B  a])out  8/16  inch  smaller  in  diameter  than 
the  finishing  bore  of  the  box.  An  annular  brass 
ring  C,  about  ViJ   i^cli  wide,   and    whose    in- 


The  Automobile  Hcmdbook 


537 


side  diameter  is  about  %  inch,  smaller  than 
the  outside  diameter  of  the  end  flange  D 
of  the  box  to  be  lined,  is  then  located  on 
the  iron  plate  concentrically  with  the  man- 
drel, and  secured  by  means  of  pins  or  other- 
wise. This  ring  serves  as  a  support  for  the 
box  itself,  and  in  the  process  of  pouring,  the 
space  between  the  ring  and  mandrel  is  filled 
with  white  brass  which  is  afterward  turned  off. 
Any  imperfect  metal  which  may  be  poured  will 


Fig.  248 


find  its  way  either  into  this  space  or  into  the 
space  above  the  box,  leaving  the  lining  of  the 
box  itself  perfectly  sound.  The  box  itself  is 
assumed  to  have  been  suitably  counterbored 
and  recessed  to  hold  the  lining  as  shown  in  the 
sketches  E  and  F,  Fig.  248.  It  is  preferable  to 
use  the  arrangement  shown  at  F  and  allow  the 
lining  to  extend  beyond  the  ends  of  the  box,  and 
form  the  outer  surface  of  the  flanges.  In  this 
case  the  diameter  of  the  flange  formed  by  the 
lining  will  be  the  inside  diameter  of  the  sup- 


538  The  Automobile  Handbook 

porting  ring,  which  will  be  slightly  smaller  than 
the  diameter  of  the  flange  of  the  box  itself. 

The  halves  of  the  box — if  it  is  split — are 
wired  together  and  the  box  and  the  mandrel  are 
heated  by  torches  and  assembled  as  shown  in 
the  sketch.  A  second  ring — ^not  shown — simi- 
lar to  the  supporting  ring  is  placed  on  the  top 
of  the  box,  and  all  the  cracks  are  luted  with 
moist  fire  clay.  Meanwhile,  the  white  brass 
has  been  melted  in  a  kettle  to  a  fairly  high 
heat  somewhat  higher  than  the  pouring  temper- 
ature. While  it  is  being  melted,  it  is  kept  cov- 
ered by  about  1  inch  of  powdered  charcoal, 
whicli  excludes  the  air.  When  the  maximum 
temperature  is  reached,  the  charcoal  is  quickly 
skimmed  oiY  and  a  handful  or  two  of  powdered 
salammoniac  is  thrown  on.  The  salammoniae 
is  immediately  volatilized  and  forms  a  heavy, 
tliou^ih  colorh'ss  gas  which  shuts  off  the  air 
from  tli(»  surface  of  the  metal  and  causes  it  to 
stay  ])i'iirht.  The  pouring  is  then  done  with  all 
I)ossib](»  liaste,  and  on  cooling  the  metal  will  be 
foimd  p(M-r('c11y  homogeneous  and  solid.  If  the 
box  is  s[)lit  tlio  lining  can  be  condensed  by  pen- 
inii'.  If  the  box  is  solid,  the  lining  is  simply 
bored  to  llic  i)r()])(T  size. 

'J'o  JiKs-roKK  A  Sagged  Frame.  A  frame  which 
is  sauLicd  to  the  extent  of  permanent  deforma- 
tion can  ])e  restored  so  as  to  approximate  its 
ori«iinaI  slin[)(\  hy  heating  it  in  a  charcoal  fire 
with  an  air  blast.  To  do  this  properly,  it  wil^ 
most  likely  be  necessary  to  cut  out  the  rivets. 


( 


The  Automobile  Handbook  539 

so  that  the  side  members  can  be  handled  inde- 
pendently.  A  good  plan  of  procedure  is  to  in- 
close the  bent  portion  of  the  frame  in  a  section 
of  stovepipe  of  sufficient  size  in  which  the  cha^r-. 
coal  fire  is  built.  A  length  of  1-inch  gas  pipe, 
closed  at  one  end,  and  having  5/16-inch  holes, 
drilled  at  intervals  of  about  6  inches,  is  laid  in 
the  bottom  of  the  pipe  and  furnishes  the  air 
supply  from  a  bellows.  When  the  charcoal  fire 
is  well  kindled,  the  frame  is  introduced  upside 
down,  and  is  supported  at  the  ends.  The  fire  is 
then  conceintrated  on  the  bent  portion,  and  as 
the  frame  becomes  hot  it  will  straighten  itseJf. 
It  must  be  watched  carefully  and  the  air  blast 
stopped  as  soon  as  the  frame  is  seen  to  be 
straight.  Most  of  the  frames  used  in  American 
cars  are  ordinary  carbon  steel,  and  require  no 
special  treatment.  It  will  be  well,  however,  on 
stopping  the  air  blast  to  shift  the  stove  pipe  to 
a  cooler  portion  of  the  frame,  to  permit  the 
part  which  has  been  straightened  to  cool  as 
quickly  as  exposure  to  the  air  will  permit.  A 
frame  which  has  been  sagged  and  straightened 
in  this  manner  will  require  to  be  trussed  to  pre- 
vent recurrence  of  the  trouble.  As  conditions 
vary  so  much  the  best  rule  to  follow  is  to  ob- 
serve the  truss  arrangement  on  some  similar 
car.  The  struts  should  be  about  4  or  5  inches 
long,  and  should  be  loca4;ed  at  the  spots  where 
the  sagging  has  occurred.  The  truss  rod  itself 
should  be  about  I/2  inch  in  diameter,  and  drawn 
taut  by  a  tumbuckle,    which    may   be    finally 


640 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


tightened  when  the  chassis  has  been  assemble 
Spanish  Windlass.  The  old  fashioned  Spa 
ish  windlass,  in  Fig.  249,  may  be  occasional 
.  employed  w^here  no  other  hoist  is  available, 
is  extremely  handy  in  setting,  and  lining  i 
motors,  transmissions  and  rear  axles.  It  co 
sists  of  a  round  bar  or  piece  of  pipe,  a  piece 
"•ope,  and  a  lever  such  as  a  small  crowbar 


J 


Fig.  249 
Spanish  Windlass 

jnek-handlo;  all  of  which  are  quite  common 
the  ordinary  repair  shop.  The  round  bar 
laid  across  the  side  members  of  the  frame,  1 
rope  is  made  fast  to  the  object  to  be  hoisted 
loo])  of  it  is  wound  around  the  bar  as  sho\ 
and  till*  lever  inserted  in  the  end  of  the  lo 
Allhou^h  this  is  as  old  as  the  hills,  it  is  not  i 
common  to  see  a  man  lying  on  his  back,  ii 


The  Automobile  Handbook  541 

ost  uncomfortable  position,  holding  a  heavy 
ansmissiori  case  up  into  place  while  another  is 
ying  to  locate  the  bolt  holes,  and  adjust  the 
lers ;  whereas,  if  this  makeshift  windlass  were 
aployed,  one  man  could  raise  and  set  the  gear- 
►X  with  much  less  trouble. 
Straightening  Spindles.    In  Pig.  250  a  tool 

shown  which  is  used  in  a  local  repair  shop, 
r  straightening  spindles.     The  tool,  which  is 

heavy  construction,  is  placed  in  a  vise;  the 


Fig.  250 
Tool  for  Straightening  Spindles 

indie  is  heated  to  a  red  heat,  the  ends  cooled 
I  with  water,  and  placed  between  the  centers, 

illustrated.    A  lever  is  then  placed  between 
e  bent  portion  of  the  spindle  and  the  shank 

the  tool,  so  that  when  pressure  is  brought  to 
ar  on  it,  the  spindle  arm  may  be  brought 
ck  into  its  normal  position. 
Cleaning  Aluminum.  Aluminum,  such  as 
ed  for  foot-boards  of  cars,  may  be  cleaned  by 
ing  hyposulphate  of  soda,  as  this  substance  is 
solvent  of  aluminum  tarnish.     The  dirty  sur- 


542  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  643 

ice  should  be  wa,she.d  with  a  strong  solution 
:  the  hyposulphate ;  then  rinse  the  surface  with 
ater  and  drj^ 

Care  op  Tire  Pump  Leather.  The  proper 
bricant  for  the  cupped  leather  washer  of  the 
re  pump  piston  is  vaseline.  Oil  is  too  thin 
id  it  tends  to  work  into  the  rubber  hose,  and 
^en  into  the  tire  itself  if  too  much  is  used.  Vas- 
ine,  on  the  other  hand,  clings  to  the  leather 
id  lasts  a  considerable  time.  If  the  leather 
icomes  dry  it  does  not  hold  air  well,  and  pump- 
g  to  high  pressure  becomes  impossible,  while 
e  labor  of  pumping  even  to  low  pressure  is 
•eatly  increg,sed. 

Replacing  Broken  Ball.  When  replacing  a 
'oken  ball  in  a  ball  bearing  it  is  better  to  re- 
5W  the  whole  set,  unless  the  new  ball  can  be 
refully  gauged  to  be  of  the  same  size  as  the 
hers.  If  this  is  not  attended  to,  the  new  ball, 
iving  to  bear  more  than  its  share  of  the 
eight,  quickly  succumbs.  The  greatest  care 
ould  be  taken,  of  course,  to  use  grease  free 
om  grit,  and  to  clean  the  balls  and  bearings 
;fore  they  are  replaced. 

Cleaning  Tops.  Tops  may  be  cleaned  by  us- 
g  gasoline,  a  little  ivory  soap  and  a  brush. 
)metimes,  however,  when  cleaning  with  gaso- 
le  the  water-proofing  quality  of  the  materials 
ay  be  destroyed.  This  can  be  restored  by  an 
^plication  of  paraffine.  Dissolve  the  paraffine 
ith  gasoline  and  apply  with  a  clean  brush,  the 
Lsoline  will  carry  the  paraffine  into  the  fabric 


544  The  Automobile  Handbook 

and  will  evaporate,  leaving  the  paraffine  in  the 
fabric. 

Useful  Hints.  At  A,  Fig.  251,  is  shown  a 
simple  tool  found  to  be  universally  useful  for 
wedging  off  magneto  driving  pinions,  and  other 
small  members  fitted  to.  coned  shaft  ends,  with 
or  without  key  retention.  This  can  be  easily 
made  from  a  large  file,  or  any  piece  of  steel  of 
sufficient  dimensions,  depending  upon  the  work 
to  which  it  would  be  applied.  The  opening  in 
the  fork  need  not  be  more  than  three-quarters 
inch  for  the  average  magneto,  the  tines  about 
two  inches  long,  and  three-eighths  inch  wide  and 
taper  from  nothing  to  about  one-quarter  inch 
at  the  thickest  part.  Two  of  these  are  needed 
and  are  placed  back  of  the  gear,  the  tapered 
portion  of  one  piece  resting  on  that  of  the 
other,  as  shown.  To  remove  the  gear  the  ends 
are  driven  in  toward  the  centre  at  the  same 
time.  This  exerts  a  lifting  effort,  due  to  the 
wedge  action  of  the  tools  immediately  back  of 
the  pinion.  The  advantage  of  this  method  is 
that  the  shaft  on  which  the  gear  is  mounted  is 
not  snbjiM'ted  to  any  side  strains,  such  as  would 
result  if  att(»mpts  were  made  to  drive  off  the 
gear  by  holding  an  S  wrench  back  of  the  gear 
and  driving  against  it  with  a  hammer.  When 
removing  worn  sprockets  from  the  counter 
shaft  in  order  to  replace  them  with  new  ones, 
trouble  may  bo  experienced  in  loosening  the 
nut  especially  if  the  rear  wheels  have  been  re- 
moved.   In  such  cases  the  chain  may  be  utilized 


The  Automobile  Handbook  545 

to  hold  the  sprocket  in  the  manner  shown  at 
B,  Fig.  251,  by  anchoring  it  to  the  axle  with 
an  S  hook  made  of  three-eighths  inch  cold  rolled 
steel  rod  The  sprocket  will  be  fimdy  held  and 
the  nut  removed  without  difSeulty. 

Although  some  grades  of  rubber  hose  are  bet- 
ter than  others,  unless  properly  cared  for  even 
the  best  will  deteriorate  rapidly.  Among  the 
factors  which  make  for  rapid  wear  are  careless 
stowage  and  abuse.  The  hose  is  left  on  the 
wash  stand,  cars  are  run  over  it,  and  when  it 
has  served  its  purpose,  it  is  thrown  in  a  heap 
and  oil  and  grease  accumulations  soon  work 
havoc  with  the  rubber  walls.  A  good  ruJc  to 
follow  is  to  have  a  place  for  everything  and 
everything  in  its  place.  It  is  not  unusual  to 
see  a  coil  of  hose  carefully  hung  upon  a  nail, 
as  shown  at  C,  each  coil  having  a  sharp 
''kink"  in  it,  both  top  and  bottom,  as  indicated. 
This  sharp  bend  tends  to  break  the  fabric  walls, 
and  the  hose  soon  leaks.  The  proper  way  of 
hanging  a  hose  is  to  use  five  or  six  wooden  pegs 
arranged  around  an  arc  of  a  circle,  as  shown. 
Under  these  conditions  the  coils  take  a  grad- 
ual curve,  and  do  not  assume  a  sharp  angle  as 
when  but  a  single  point  of  support  is  utilized. 
If  the  hose  is  one  of  some  length  a  reel  should 
be  used. 

Often  when  fitting  bushings  and  parts,  and 
in  general  operations  where  reamers  are  used 
it  is  found  that  the  tool  will  be  just  a  trifle 
andersize,  or  that  it  is  desirable  to  have  the 


546  The  Automobile  Handbook 

reamed  hole  just  a  little  oversize.  In  such  cases 
a  simple  expedient,  as  shown  at  D,  Fig  251,  will 
be  found  valuable.  A  small  sheet  of  brass,  or 
zinc  is  rolled  in  such  a  manner  that  it  will  fit 
between  two  of  the  cutting  edges  of  the  reamer. 
If  the  reamer  is  inserted  with  the  roll  of  metal 
in  place  it  will  be  evident  that  the  reamer  will 
be  forced  a  trifle  from  the  centre  of  the  bore 
and  the  cutting  edges  of  the  reamer  opposite 
the  inserted  metal  roll  will  remove  the  metal. 
Very  fine  cuts  should  be  taken,  and  the  metal 
roll  placed  between  different  cutting  teeth  each 
time  that  the  tool  is  used.  In  tapping  out  nuts 
it  is  often  desirable  to  have  the  thread  a  little 
deeper  than  the  standard,  or  to  have  the  nut  a 
loose  fit  on  the  bolt,  as  is  sometimes  necsesary 
when  trying  to  place  a  machine  screw  nut  on  a 
'jariiage  bolt.  In  this  case  a  similar  roll  of 
metal  may  be  placed  between  the  cutting  edges 
of  the  tap,  as  shown  at  E,  Fig.  251. 

SotjDer.  Silver  solders  are  generally  used  for 
very  fine  work.  They  are  very  fusible,  and 
non-corrosive.  Hard  spelter  is  used  for  steel 
and  iron  work,  and  soft  spelter  for  brass  work. 

When  copper  is  soldered  to  iron  or  zinc,  resin 
should  be  used,  or  if  chloride  of  zinc  is  used  for 
a  flux,  the  joint  should  be  washed  afterwards 
to  remove  the  acid.  Un-annealed  wires  should 
b(^  soldered  at  as  low  a  temperature  as  possible. 
Solder  is  always  an  alloy  of  other  metals.  It 
must  not  only  bo  more  fusible  than  the  metal,  or 
metals  to  be  joined,  but  it  must  have  some  chem- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  547 

ical  affinity  for  them.  Different  kinds  of  solder 
are  therefore  employed  for  different  purposes. 
It  is  called  either  hard  or  soft,  according  to  its 
fusing  point. 

Solders  and  spelters  for  use   with  different 
metals,  and  their  proportional  parts  by  weight 
are 
Solder  for: 

Electrician's  use — 1 — ^Tin,  1 — ^Lead. 

Gold— 24^Gold,  2— Silver,  1— Copper. 

Patinum — 1— Copper,  3 — Silver. 

Plumber's— Hard— 1— Lead,  2— Tin.    Soft— 
3— Lead,  1— Tin. 

Silver — ^Hard — 1 — Copper,  4 — Silver.    Soft— 
1 — ^Brass,  2 — Silver. 

Tin— Hard— 2— Tin,  1— Lead.    Soft— 1— Tin, 
1 — Lead. 
Spelter  for: 

Fine   brass  work — 8 — Copper,   8 — ^Zinc,    1— 
Silver. 

Common  brass — 1 — Copper,  1— Zinc. 

Cast  iron — 4 — Copper,  3 — Zinc. 

Steel — 3 — Copper,  1 — Zinc. 

Wrought  iron — 2 — Copper,  1 — ^Zinc. 

Fluxes  for  Soldering.    Some  good  fluxes  for 
soldering  purposes  are: 

Iron  or  ateel .Borax  or  sal-ammoniac. 

Tinned   iron    Resin   or  chloride  of  zinc. 

Copper  to  Iron    Resin. 

Iron  to  zinc   Chloride  of  zinc* 

Galvanized  Iron    Mutton  tallow  or  resin. 

Copper  or  brass Sal-ammoniac  or  chloride  of  zinc. 

Load    Mutton   tallow. 

Block   tin    Resin  or  sweet  oil. 

♦Chloride  of  zinc  Is  simply  zinc  dissolved  in  hydrochloric 
(muriatic)   acid,  until  the  acid  Is  znt  or  killed. 


548  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Scratched  Cylinder.  The  cylinder  may  be 
temporarily  fixed  by  taking  it  to  a  first-clasB 
tinsmith  and  having  the  scratches  filled  with  sil- 
ver solder.  The  soldered  places  must  be  then 
carefully  scraped  flush  with  the  bore  of  the  cyl- 
inder. The  best  way  is  to  have  the  cylinder  re- 
bored  and  the  piston-rings  re-turned. 

If  the  scratches  are  not  too  deep  the  cylinder 
can  be  rebored,  and  a  new  set  of  piston-rings 
made  to  fit  the  new  bore.  The  limit  to  such  an 
increase  in  bore  is  about  one-sixteenth  of  an 
inch. 

If  the  damage  to  the  cylinder  walls  has  been 
comparatively  slight,  due  to  the  conditions 
being  recognized  early,  the  engine  should  be 
disassembled  and  the  surfaces  thoroughly 
cleaned  of  any  dirt  or  carbon.  After  reassem- 
bling, the  full  amount  of  lubricating  oil  should 
be  put  into  the  engine,  and  with  the  oil  should 
be  mixed  an  amount  of  graphite,  in  either  the 
amphorous  or  flake  form,  proportioned  to  the 
kind  being  used  and  the  body  of  the  oil.  Con- 
tinued use  of  graphite  will  tend  to  fill  the 
small  scratches  in  the  metal. 

Garage — Cleaning  Floors.  A  hot  saturated 
solution  of  common  washing  soda  will  do  very 
well.  This  can  be  made  up  in  quantities  and 
stored  against  future  use.  If  this  method  is 
used,  be  sure  to  reheat  it  before  using,  the  boil- 
ing point  being  about  right.  Since  that  will  be 
too  hot  to  apply  with  the  hands,  use  any  old 
broom  or  brush  to  "slosh"  it  around  on  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  549- 

floor.  An  equally  good,  if  not  better,  solution  to 
use  for  this  purpose  is  trisulphate  of  sodium, 
marketed  by  several  chemical  companies,  and 
sold  at  from  four  to  five  cents  per  pound  at  re- 
tail. This  can  be  used  cold  and  will  not  injure 
the  most  delicate  hands;  on  the  other  hand,  it 
will  clean  them  very  thoroughly,  so  that  users 
of  this  solution  use  it  for  the  hands  as  well  as 
for  the  floors.  This  is  strong,  however,  and 
may  be  used  to  remove  paint. 

Protection  From  Fire.  The  recommenda- 
tions of  the  National  Fire  Protection  Associa- 
tion  pertaining  to  garages  and  their  operation 
are  as  follows :  No  dynamo  or  gas  engine  should 
be  permitted  where  gasoline  is  stored  or  han- 
dled; all  exposed  lights  should  be  eliminated; 
cleaning  of  acetylene  lamps  and  removal  or  re- 
newing of  carbide  should  be  carried  on  outside 
ol  garage;  the  residue  of  acetylene  lamps 
should  never  be  cast  on  the  floor;  machines 
should  have  oil  tanks  emptied  before  being  put 
in  the  repair  shop ;  the  use  of  extension  electric 
wires  is  condemned,  as  they  may  cause  fire ;  mo- 
tor testing  should  be  done  outside,  for  sparks 
might  ignite  the  fumes  of  gasoline;  storage 
tanks  should  be  filled  from  outside  of  garage; 
all  volatile  oils  should  be  stored  in  good,  heavy 
tanks  under  ground,  as  far  away  from  the 
building  as  possible;  pipes  for  filling  storage 
tanks  should  not  pass  through  the  garage  in 
any  way;  a  filling  station  should  be  twenty  to 
thirty  feet  from  the  entrance  to  the  garage,  and 


550  The  Automobile  Handbook 

tanks  of  cars  filled  from  there  if  it  is  necessary 
to  fill  them  when  the  cars  are  inside  of  the  gar- 
age; furthermore,  the  station  should  be  fire- 
proof, and  all  cars  should  be  brought  to  fhis 
point  for  filling;  smoking  and  carrying  of 
matches,  or  use  thereof  should  be  strictly  pro- 
hibited; floors  should  be  kept  free  of  oil  drip- 
pings, and  pails  of  sand  should  be  kept  handy 
in  proximity  to  gasoline. 

A  garage  of  ordinary  size  should  be  equipped 
with  at  least  four  or  five  chemical  fire  extin- 
guishers, and  these  should  be  placed  so  that 
they  may  be  quickly  reached  by  any  one  in  ease 
of  emergency.  The  stream  from  such  an  extin- 
guisher will  smother  a  fire  before  it  has  done 
much  damage  if  the  flame  can  be  reached  within 
a  minute  or  so  of  the  time  when  it  started. 
The  chemicals  usually  used  will  not  harm  the 
finish  of  the  car  if  the  surfaces  exposed  are 
immediately  washed  in  the  usual  way.  Slight 
marring  is  of  course  preferable  to  destruction. 

Spark  Plugs.  The  trouble  with  motors  mis- 
firing, is  generally  due  to  dirty  spark  plugs. 
This  is  caused  by  using  too  much  cylinder  oil, 
which,  when  subjected  to  the  intense  heat  in  the 
cylinder,  turns  to  carbon.  This  carbon  depos- 
its on  the  insulated  porcelain  and  the  body  of 
the  plug,  and  instead  of  the  current  jumping 
from  the  point  in  the  body  to  the  point  in  the 
porcelain  and  making  a  spark,  it  follows  the 
easiest  path,  which  is  the  carbon,  and  does  not 
make  a  spark  at  the  plug  points  at  all.    When 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


551 


this  occurs  the  motor  will  misfire.  The  first  thing 
to  do  when  a  motor  misfires  is  to  test  the  spark 
plug.  Turn  the  motor  until  the  battery  eirenit 
is  closed.  Unscrew  the  spark  plug  from  the  mo- 
tor, then  reconnect  the  wire  to  it  just  the  same 
as  it  was  before.  Lay  the  metal  part  of  the 
plug  body  on  the  flywheel  or  some  other  un- 


A — Platinum  point. 

B— Thread. 

C— Plug  body. 

D — Bushing. 

E — Insulated  terminal. 


fig.   252 

F — Porcelain  bushing. 
G — Expansion  spring. 
H — Asbestos  washer. 
J— Lock  nuts. 
K — Assembly  nut. 


painted  part  of  the  motor,  being  careful  that 
the  metal  part  of  the  plug  body  only  touches 
the  motor  and  that  the  porcelain  part  is  clear. 
If  the  spark  jumps  in  short  jerks  between  the 
inner  end  of  the  porcelain  and  the  interior  of 
the  plug  body  it  is  sooted,  and  needs  cleaning. 


552 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


If  it  jumps  at  the  points  as  it  should  do,  tl 
trouhle  is  elsewhere;  probably  at  the  batter 
loose  connecting  wires,  or  the  vibrator  of  tl 
coil  is  not  properly  adjnsted. 


SPARK  PLUGS 


Fig.  ZU 

To  clean  a  spark  plug  properly  use  a  50  pi 

cent   solution   of  hydrochloric  (muriatic)  aei 

washing  the  points   of   the   plug   with  a  too' 

brush,  occasionally  dipping   the   plug  into  tl 


Fig.  254 

acid.     After  cleaning  the   spark  ping    in  tl 
manner,  rinse  it  in  water. 

Spakk  Pli  gs — Construction  of.  Two  spa 
plugs  are  shown  in  Figure  252,  which,  while  d 
fering  radically  in  their  construction,  effect  t 


The  Automobile  Handbook  553 

same  purpose,  that  of  producing  a  spark  or  arc 
in  the  eombustioa  chamber  of  the  motor.  The 
accompanying  table  and  reference  to  Figure 
252,  will  fully  explain  the  construction  of  the 
spark  plugs. 

Cross-sections  of  four  different  forms  of 
spark  plugs  arc  shown  in  Figure  253.  AH  are 
constructed  with  a  view  to  make  the  outside  or 
extraneous  path  caused  by  sooting,  as  long  as 


r 

n^jlf--^--- 

SPARK  PLUG 

lip 

Fig.  255 

ble,  so  as  to  prevent  if  possible  short-cir- 
cuiting of  the  plug  from  this  cause. 

Figure  254  shows  a  form  of  spark  plug  in 
which  two  extra  air-spaces  are  provided,  one 
between  the  center  rod  or  terminal  and  the 
porcelain  hushing  and  the  other  between  the 
porcelain  bushing  and  the  shell  or  body  of  the 
plug. 

The  spark  plug  shown  in  Figure  255  has  a 
closed  chamber  around,  and  over  the  center  in- 
sulated rod  or  terminal ;  this  chamber  is  a  part 


554 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


of  the  body  of  the  plug  and  forms  the  other  te 
minal  of  the  plug.  It  acts  as  a  small  combu 
tion  chamber,  and  streams  of  fire  are  supx)08€ 
to  be  thrown  from  the  small  openings  in  tl 
chamber,  when  the  arc  or  spark  occurs  therei 


Fig.  256 


An  exterior  view  of  a  form  of  spark  plug  i: 
general  use  is  shown  in  Figure  256. 

Spark  phi^rs  of  American  manufacture  ar 
made  with  three  different  sizes  of  threads:  One 
half  ineh  pipe-size,  the  actual  outside  diamete 
of  which  is  .84  of  an  inch,  with  14  threads  ȣ 


The  Automobile  Handbook  555 

inch.  Seven-eighths  of  an  inch  diameter,  with 
18  threads  per  inch,  and  .7  of  an  inch  diameter, 
with  17  threads  per  inch.  The  last  named  one 
is  the  French,  or  Metric  standard  thread. 

Specific  Gravity.  In  the  absence  of  a  proper 
instrument,  the  specific  gravity  of  gasoline  or 
any  other  liquid  may  be  obtained  as  follows : 

Weigh  a  certain  quantity  of  distilled  water 
at  4  degrees  Centigrade,  or  39  1/3  degrees  Fah- 
renheit. 

Weigh  the  same  quantity  of  gasoline  or  other 
liquid  under  test. 

Divide  the  weight  of  the  liquid  by  the  weight 
of  the  water,  and  this  will  give  the  required 
specific  gravity  of  the  liquid. 

The  specific  gravities  of  various  liquids  are 
as  follows: 

Alcohol   at    15"    C 0.794 

Acid,   nitric    1.217 

Acid,    sulphuric    1.841 

Ether   at    15"    C 0.720 

Naptha 0.848 

Oil,    linseed    0.94 

Petroleum     0.878 

Gasoline   at   15"    C 0.680  to  0.720 

Water,   sea,  at   4° 1.026 

Water,    pure,    at    4" 1.0 

The  specific  gravity  of  the  electrolyte  used 
in  storage  batteries  is  usually  close  to  1,250 
under  ordinary  conditions.  This  figure  will 
reach  1.300  or  1.310  with  a  fully  charged  start- 
ing and  lighting  battery,  and  may  fall  as  low 
as  1.100  with  a  battery  that  needs  charging 
badly. 

The  specific  gravity  of  a  storage  battery 
should   be    tested   while   the   battery   is   being 


556  The  Automobile  Handbook 

charged  or  immediately  after  the  charge  has 
been  discontinued,  never  just  after  water  has 
been  added. 

To  test  the  gravity,  it  is  necessary  to  use  a 
hydrometer  made  and  graduated  for  this  work, 
the  instrument  being  preferably  enclosed  in  a 
tube  fitted  with  a  bulb  and  nozzle  and  called  a 
hydrometer  syringe.  With  the  filling  caps  re- 
moved from  each  cell  of  the  battery,  the  bulb  is 
compressed,  the  nozzle  inserted  into  the  cell  and 
enough  liquid  drawn  up  to  float  the  hydrom- 
eter. The  marking  on  the  hydrometer  stem 
at  which  the  surface  of  the  liquid  remains  is 
the  specific  gravity  of  that  cell.  The  gravity 
should  be  nearly  the  same  in  all  cells  with  a 
good  battery.  The  liquid  should  be  returned 
to  the  cell  from  which  it  was  drawn. 

Springs.  The  length  and  number  of  leaves 
in  the  springs  of  motor  cars  of  similar  weight 
and  power  vary,  and  without  any  reason  for  so 
doing.  The  general  use  of  pneumatic  tires  hides 
many  imperfections  in  this  respect  as  well  as 
in  others.  Springs  of  insufficient  strength  are 
a  source  of  great  danger,  and  frequent  exami- 
nation should  be  given  to  them.  Springs  are 
not  necessarily  of  insufficient  strength  because 
they  appear  to  be  light.  Short  springs  are  not 
desirable,  as  they  are  more  liable  to  break  than 
a  longer  spring,  the  deflection  per  unit  of 
length  being  greater.  Stiffness  in  short  springs 
is  usually  avoided  by  lightness,  which  is  likely 
to  lead  to  breakage,  especially  when  the  hole 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


557 


Fig.  257 
Full  Elliptic  Spring,  Scroll  Ends 


Fig.  258 
Semi  or  Half-Elliptic  Spring 


Fig.   259 
Three   Quarter   Elliptic   Spring 


Fig.   260 
Fixed    Cantilever    Spring 


Fig.  261 
Three  Quarter  Floating  Cantilever  Spring 


558  The  Automobile  Handbook 

for  the  bolt  through  the  center  of  the  spring  is 
made  larger  than  necessary. 

Springs — Dimensions  op.  In  calculating  tho 
dim  elisions  and  elastic  limit  of  springs  for  mo- 
tor-car use,  the  elastic  limit  must  be  carefully 
considered  with  regard  to  the  dead,  and  maxi- 
mum loads  to  be  carried  by  the  car.  The  dead 
load  is  the  weight  of  the  car  when  at  rest.  Tho 
maximum  load  is  the  greatest  weight  that  can 
possibly  be  carried  with  good  spring  action. 
The  springs  to  retain  their  elasticity  should 
have  their  ultimate  strength  far  beyond  their 
maximum  load  capacity. 

The  old  practice  of  fixing  a  uniform  curva^ 
ture  of  the  spring  leaves  frequently  leads  tc 
breakages  due  to  distortions  set  up  at  the 
si)ring  perch.  This  tendency  is  now  aborted  by 
making  the  spring  leaves  in  such  a  way  that  tht- 
eurvature  begins  at  points  beyond  the  spring 
pc^rch,  so  that  the  clamps  when  they  are  pulled 
into  tight  relation  do  not  straighten  out  the 
])hites.  It  is  still  the  custom  to  use  a  leather 
])n(l  on  which  to  rest  the  springs,  because 
thereby  th(^  coefficient  of  friction  becomes  that 
of  leather,  and  creeping  tendencies  are  as  a  con- 
seciucnce  remoter  There  is  also  the  question  of 
the  c'cimber  given  to  the  respective  spring  plates. 
If  the  phites  ar(»  all  of  the  same  thickness,  they 
should  nil  be  curved  to  the  same  radius,  for 
tluMi  the  extreme  fil)(»r  strain  would  be  equal  in 
all  th(}  plates  for  every  alteration  in  camber  in- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  559 

cidental  to  the  service  they  are  placed  to  per- 
form. 

Springs — Testing  and  Material.  The  life  of 
a  spring  is  forecast  by  the  maker  thereof,  al- 
most independently  of  the  quality  of  the  mate- 
rial. If  the  spring  is  limber,  and  it  is  so  placed 
as  to  indicate  spring  play,  just  at  the  point  of 
reversals  of  camber,  the  life  will  be  shortened. 
The  superior  grades  of  materials  will  stand  this 
abuse  for  a  comparatively  long  time,  but  the 
dynamic  life  of  steel,  like  the  life  of  every  other 
animated  thing,  is  limited.  Inferior  materials, 
advantageously  situated,  might  last  far  longer 
than  the  superior  products  working  at  a  disad- 
vantage. The  initial  camber  to  give  a  spring, 
for  a  given  static  camber,  is  a  problem  for  the 
springmaker. 

Fig.  262  shows  three  views  of  a  given  spring, 
under  the  conditions  as  follows:  The  spring 
under  static  load,  indicating  the  static  cam- 
ber; straightened  out  under  load;  in  reverse 
camber,  in  a  testing  machine,  to  the  limit  before 
permanent  set. 

It  is  worth  while  to  study  these  three  condi- 
tions in  relation  to  springs,  because  they  have 
to  do  with  the  life  of  the  spring  in  service,  and 
the  easy  riding  qualities  of  the  car  due  to  spring 
action.  It  might  be  said  in  general  that  the 
greater  the  difference  between  the  initial  and 
the  static  camber,  the  more  pronounced  will  be 
the  easy  riding  qualities,  and  it  might  be  said 
as  well  that  the  greater  the  initial  camber,  and 


560 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


the  groattii"  the  possible  reverse  eamber,  the  hvt- 
ter  will  be  the  life  of  the  springs,  cspeeially  if 
we  (iike  into  account  that  the  spring  action  in 
-serviee  will  be  limited  between  the  two  points, 
as  represented  by  the  initial  camber  on  the  oiH' 
hand  and  the  condition,  which  means  that  the 
spring  leaves  will  no  more  than  straighten  otit 
in  actual  service.  If  the  service  conditions  are 
such  as  to  eliminate  any  reversal   of  camber, 


Fig.  262 

tlien  it  may  be  said  the  factor  of  safety  will  be 
I'l'pr'i'si-nfcd  by  the  amount  of  the  reverse  cam- 
biT  ill  a  ti'sliiig  machine  before  permanent  set. 
WinTN(;.-i — V.\Hy.  OF,  Springs  shonld  be  exam- 
innl  (K-cjisiDTiJiIly.  and  while  often  overlooked. 
Iliis  sccniingly  li^iHing  matter  has  a  direct  bear- 
iiiL'  iii'on  llic  smciodi.  easy  nmning  of  the  car. 
Owiiij:  1o  the  fjH-t  that  the  sprinfca  are  exposetl 
t"  the  weaUicr.  rust  is  very  likely  to  occur  at 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


561 


this  point,  and  to  this  unsuspected  corrosion  is 
often  due  the  pccasional  ** squeak."  Although 
many  cars  iare  provided  with  some  means  for 
lubricating  the  friction,  surfaces,  many  cars  are 
not  so  well  provided  for  and  when  rust  makes 
its  appearance  along  the  joints  there  is  a  cry- 
ing need  for  oil.  This  may  be  conveniently 
applied  by  placing  the  jack  between  spring  and 
frame,  and  slightly  opening  the  leaves  or  plates. 


Fig.  263 

The  toggles  and  links  should  also  have  a  little 
oil  occasionally  and  when  about  this  work  it  is 
well  to  examine  the  nuts  of  the  clips.  These 
nuts  are  prone  to  work  loose. 

Sprockets.  The  circular  instead  of  the  linear 
pitch  is  often  erroneously  used  in  calculating 
the  pitch  diameter  of  a  sprocket  wheel.  Refer- 
ence to  Figure  263  will  illustrate  the  difference 
between  circular  and  linear  pitch,  and  help  to 
demonstrate  the  case  more  clearly.  The  view  at 
the  left  of  the  drawing  shows  the  circular  pitch. 


562  The  Automobile  Handbook 

and  the  view  at  the  right  the  linear  pitch  of  a 
gear  or  sprocket  wheel  respectively.  If  the  cir- 
cular pitch  of  the  gear  be  one  inch  and  the  gear 
has  six  teeth  as  shown,  the  pitch  diameter  will 
be  6X0.3183,  which  gives  1.91  inches  as  the 
pitch  diameter.  Let  the  linear  pitch  of  tlie 
sprocket  be  also  one  inch,  and  with  six  teeth  as 
before.  In  a  sprocket  having  6  teeth,  the  ra- 
dius is  ecpal  to  the  linear  pitch,  as  the  figure  is 
conii)osed  of  six  equilateral  triangles,  and  the 
pitch  diameter  of  the  sprocket  wheel  is  conse- 
quently 2  inches. 

The  pitch  of  the  sprocket  must,  of  course,  be 
the  same  as  that  of  the  chain  to  be  used  with 
it.  (.'liain  pitches  usually  measure  in  even 
iiicli(\s  and  common  fractions.  The  type  of 
chain,  whether  roller,  block  or  silent,  must  also 
b(^  considcnnl.  It  is  not  safe  to  use  mismated 
cliains  and  sprockets. 

Sprockets.  Dimensions  of.    Table  11  gives  the 

pitch  (lianict(»rs  of  sprockets  for  roller  chain  of 
1  inch,  1V1  inch  and  IV2  inch  pitch,  with  7  to 
2S  t(M'th.  The  outside  diameters  may  be  found 
by  nddin^  the  diameter  of  the  roller  to  the  pitch 
dijiiiH'tj^r  of  \hv  sprocket. 

Si'KocKKT  Cir.Mx  LrBRiCATioN.  The  best  lubri- 
c;ni1  for  sprocket  chains  is  a  constant  puzzle. 
rf  oil  is  used  it  is  absor])ed  bv  the  dust  which 
st'tfh's  on  th(»  chain.  If  tallow  or  other  animal 
^n'<'ast'  is  (Miiploycd  it  is  pushed  away  from  the 
])carin^  surfaces,  and  the  latter  get  dry.  The 
ideal  ln])ricant  would  seem  to  be  something  be- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


563 


TABLE  11. 

DIMENSIONS    OP    SPBOCKETS    FOR    ROLLER    CHAIN. 


1  Inch 

1%  Inch 

1%  Inch 

Number  of 

Pitch. 

'  Pitch. 

Pitch. 

Teeth  in 

Sprocket. 

Pitch  Dia. 

Pitch  Dia. 

Pitch  Dia. 

7 

2.31 

2.88 

3.46 

8            i 

2.61 

3.27 

^              3.92 

9 

2.92 

3.65 

4.38 

10 

3.24 

4.04 

4.85 

11 

3.54 

4.44 

5.33 

12 

3.86 

4.83 

5.79 

13 

4.18 

5.22 

6.27 

14 

4.50 

5.62 

6.75 

15 

4.81 

6.01 

7.22 

16 

5.12 

6.41 

7.69 

18 

5.76 

6.41 

8.64 

20 

6.39 

7.99 

9.59 

'^2 

7.03 

8.79 

10.55 

24 

7.66 

9.58 

11.49 

26 

8.31 

iO.38 

12.44 

28 

8.95 

11.19 

13.42 

tween  an  oil  and  a  grease,  too  thick  to  be  drawn 
ouf  by  absorption,  yet  soft  enough  and  clinging 
enough  to  stay  in  the  rollers.  This  mission  is 
approximately  fulfilled  by  a  mineral  grease, 
such  as  non-fluid  oil,  or  Keystone  grease,  which 
are  not  affected  by  moderate  changes  of  tem- 
perature, and  have  the  clinging  quality  which 
animal  greases  lack.  The  makers  of  these 
greases,  however,  do  not  recommend  heating 
them,  and  they  cannot  be  introduced  into  the 
links  and  rollers  of  the  chains,  except  by  ren- 
dering them  temporarily  more  fluid  than  they 
are  desired  to  be  in  service.  A  very  good  lubri- 
cant for  this  purpose  is  made  by  dissolving  Key- 
stone grease  in  gear  case  oil,  in  amounts  suffi- 
cient to  produce  a  viscous  fluid  at  the  boiling 


564  The  Automobile  Handbook 

point,  which  thickened  when  cold,  and  would 
just  barely  flow.  A  fairly  liberal  quantity  of 
graphite  was  added,  about  half  a  cupful  to  three 
quarts  of  dope,  and  the  chains  after  cleaning 
were  boiled  for  half  an  hour  or  longer  in  the 
mixture  to  enable  it  to  penetrate  thoroughly. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  565 

Starting  and  Lighting  Systems. 

Four  principal  types  of  engine  starters  have 
een  used;  the  air  starter,  the  mechanical 
:arter,  the  acetylene  starter  and  the  electric 
:arter.  Beginning  with  the  production  of  1916 
ars,  the  electric  starter  is  the  only  one  found 
s  standard  equipment. 

Acetylene  starters  were  used  by  many  cars 
1  1913.  This  form  admits  acetyleiie  gas  from 
le  lighting  tank  to  the  cylinder  that  is  ready 
)  fire  through  a  distributor  valve.  The  passage 
f  an  ignition  spark  caused  by  operating  a  but- 
)n  on  the  dash  fires  the  gas  and  the  force  of 
le  explosion  starts  the  engine. 

Mechanical  starters  are  found  in  many  forms, 
hey.  consist  of  a  mechanism  through  which  the 
river  is  enabled  to  turn  the  engine  crankshaft 
irough  connections  that  lead  to  a  handle  or 
jver  that  may  be  reached  from  the  seat. 

Compressed  Air  Starters.  In  a  typical  air- 
ressure  system  the  motor  is  operated  with 
Dmpressed  air  until  regular  explosions  take 
lace  in  the  cylinders;  the  air  supply  is  then 
lut  off  and  the  motor  takes  up  its  regular 
perations. 

The  parts  of  this  self-starter  are  as  follows 
see  Fig.  264)  :  1,  a  high-pressure,  four-cylin- 
er  air  pump,  for  compressing  air  in  a  storage 
ink;  2,  a  pipe  for  carrying  air  from  pump  to 
borage  tank;  3,  a  pipe  which  carries  air  from 


The  Automobile  Handbook  567 

tank  to  push  valve  on  the  dash ;  4,  a  pipe  which 
carries  compressed  air  from  the  push  valve  to 
the  ** distributor" J  5,  pipes  through  which  air 
is  carried  from  the  distributor  to  the  various 
cylinders ;  6,  poppet  valves — one  in  each  of  the 
cylinders — ^by  means  of  which  compressed  air 
from  the  distributor  is  admitted  to  the  cylinder 
ready  for  the  working  stroke;  7,  a  pressure 
gauge  on  the  dash,  which  keeps  the  operator 
informed  of  the  amount  of  compressed  air  in 
the  storage  tank ;  and  8,  a  pump  clutch,  'oper- 
ated by  a  foot  pedal,  which  throws  the  gears 
of  the  air  pump  into  mesh. 

The  air  pump  in  this  system  is  driven  by  a 
silent  drive  chain  from  the  water  pump  shaft, 
and  operates  only  when  the  gears  are  thrown 
into  mesh  by  pressing  the  pump  clutch  foot 
pedal.  It  is  a  simple  device  for  compressing 
the  air  and  delivers  a  steady  flow  to  the  storage 
tank.  A  pressure  of  50  lbs.  in  the  tank  will 
start  the  motor  under  ordinary  conditions,  but 
it  is  advisable  to  keep  the  pressure  at  about 
150  lbs. 

The  storage  tank  is  carried  beneath  the  body 
of  the  car  and  is  tested  for  a  pressure  of  600 
lbs.  to  the  square  inch. 

The  dash  push  valve  opens  the  air  line  from 
the  storage  tank  to  the  distributor  and  simul- 
taneously opens  the  cylinder  valves  so  that  air 
coming  from  the  distributor  through  the  pipes 
shown  in  Fig.  264  has  ready  access  to  the  cyl- 
inders.    When  the  foot  is  removed  from  the 


568  The  Automobile  Handbook 

dash  button,  both  the  escapement  valve  and 
the  cylinder  valves  are  closed  automatically 
and  the  compressed-air  starter  is  shut  off  from 
the  motor. 

The  distributor  sends  charges  of  compressed 
air  into  the  cylinders  ready  for  the  workinir 
stroke,  in  their  order  of  firing.  It  is  geared 
to  the  pump  and  magneto  shaft  and  positively 
timed  for  feeding  air. 

This  type  of  self-starter  is  also  used  for  the 
purpose  of  inflating  tires  by  means  of  a  special 
shut-off  valve  and  hose. 

The  principle  of  compressed-air  starters  is  to 
admit  air  under  50  to  150  lbs.  pressure  from  a 
trenerous  reservoir  directly  to  the  motor  cylin- 
ders at  the  beginning  of  each  expansion  stroke. 
This  operates  the  motor  without  affecting  the 
mixture  in  the  cylinders.  When  running  under 
air  pressure  the  admission  of  the  compressed 
air  at  almost  the  moment  of  the  spark  operates 
the  same  as  an  ignition,  causing  a  rise  of  pres- 
sure in  the  cylinder.  After  it  has  performed 
its  work  this  pressure  is  released  by  the  ex- 
ha  list  Vcilve  in  the  same  manner  as  the  burned 
erases  arc  released  when  the  motor  is  running: 
uih1(M'  its  own  power. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  569 

Allis-Chalmers  Equipment.  The  most  com- 
monly used  type  of  AUis-Chalmers  equipment 
makes  use  of  a  combined  Motor-dynamo,  Fig. 


AlUs-ChalmerB    Motor- Dynamo.      E,    Commutator. 

F,    Brush    Holder.      G,    Brush    Connection.      H, 

Brusb  Connection. 
265,  operating  at  six  volts  pressure  for  starting, 
charging  and  lighting.  In  addition  to  the  motor- 
dynamo,  the  system  includes  the  battery,  a  start- 


570  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ing  switcli  and  a  separately  mounted  combined 
cut-out  and  regulator. 

Pushing  the  starting  switch  connects  the  bat- 
tery with  the  motor-dynamo,  which  then  oper- 
ates as  a  motor  to  crank  the  engine  to  which  it 
is  meclianieally  connected.  The  switch  is  then 
released  after  the  engine  fires.  The  motor- 
dynamo  speeds  up  with  the  engine  and,  when 
it  reaches  a  certain  predetermined  speed,  is  auto- 
matically connected  to  the  battery  and  the  light- 
ing system  by  means  of  the  cut-out.  If  the 
lights  are  burning,  part  of  the  current  is  used 
in  lighting,  the  surplus  going  to  charge  the 
])attory.  When  the  engine  slows  down  below  the 
charging  speed,  the  cut-out  opens  the  circuit  be- 
twiM'ii  the  generator  and  battery. 

By  removing  the  cover  band,  the  commutator 
may  ho  examined.  Wlien  in  good  condition  it 
will  show  a  glaze  and  will  be  dark  brown  in 
color.  If  the  commutator  appears  dirty  or 
greasy  it  should  be  wiped  oif  with  a  clean  cloft 
fi'('o  from  lint,  slightly  moistened  with  oil. 

Do  not  disturb  the  brushes  so- long  as  the 
mot<)i'-<renorator  appears  to  be  operating  prop- 
ei'ly.  Tlicy  should  make  good  contact  with  the 
coninnitntor   and   slide   smoothly   in    the   brush 

lK)](h'l*S. 

Tli(^  ])ni'poso  of  the  combined  cut-out  and  reg- 
ulator is  to  connect  the  generator  to  the  battery 
wlien  its  voltage  erpials  that  of  the  battery,  ami 
To  inaintain  a  practically  constant  charging  cur- 
rent with  tli(^  widely  varying  speeds  of  the  en- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  571 

gine.  It  also  disconnects  the  battery  when  the 
motor-generator  voltage  falls  below  that  of  the 
battery,  preventing  the  battery  from  discharg- 
ing. 

The  regulator-cutout  consists  of  a  compound 
wound  electromagnet  with  two  armatures,  one 
of  which  serves  as  the  cut-out  while  the  other 
regulates  the  charging  current.  The  shunt  reg- 
ulator winding  is  always"  connected  across  the 
generator  terminals.  When  the  generator  volt- 
age is  sufficient  for  charging,  the  electromagnet 
attracts  the  armature,  closing  the  circuit  through 
the  series  coil  of  the  regulator  of  the  battery. 
The  current  flowing  in  the  series  coil  then  as- 
sists the  shunt  coil  to  hold  the  contacts  to- 
gether. With  an  increase  in  generator  speed, 
the  charging  current  will  increase,  strengthen- 
ing the  regulator  electromagnet.  At  a  certain 
critical  point  the  second  armature  will  vibrate, 
alternately  cutting  a  resistance  in  and  out  of 
the  generator  field  circuit,  which  will  reduce 
the  charging  current  by  lowering  the  generated 
voltage.  When  the  generator  speed,  and  conse- 
quently the  voltage,  drops  below  charging  value 
the  reverse  battery  current  flowing  in  the  series 
winding  neutralizes  the  shunt  winding,  releas- 
ing the  armature  and  thus  opening  the  circuit 
before  the  battery  can  discharge. 

The  internal  connections  and  mechanism  of 
the  regulator-cutout  are  shown  in  the  diagram, 
Fig.  266. 

The  regulator  is  provided  with  a  fuse  to  pro- 


572  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  573 

tect  the  system  from  excessive  charging  current, 
or  an  improper  discharge  through  the  starter, 
in  case  the  regulator  should  not  function  prop- 
erly. This  fuse  has  a  capacity  of  45  amperes 
and  carries  the  shunt  field  current  as  well  as 
the  battery  charging  current.  The  fuse,  which 
is  made  of  an  especially  hard  alloy  to  withstand 
the  high  temperature  near  the  engine,  should 
always  be  replaced  by  one  of  the  same  make. 
If  several  fuses  are  blown  within  a  short  time, 
the  regulator  is  probably  out  of  order  and 
should  be  replaced.  This  fuse  does  not  protect 
the  lighting  and  horn  circuits. 

To  prove  whether  the  motor-dynamo  is  charg- 
ing the  battery  or  not,  remove  the  wire  from 
the  ''BAT.4-"  terminal  of  the  regulator  and 
insert  an  ammeter  between  this  terminal  and 
the  wire,  with  the  positive  terminal  of  the  meter 
connected  to  the  terminal  of  the  regulator.  With 
the  engine  running  at  about  60  revolutions  per 
minute  or  higher,  the  meter  should  show  a  charg- 
ing current  of  10  to  18  amperes.  If  the  meter 
shows  no  current,  the  motor-dynamo  is  either 
not  developing  any  voltage  or  there  is  an  open 
circuit  in  the  charging  line.  To  determine 
whether  the  motor-dynamo  is  developing  any  volt- 
age, open  the  circuit  at  ammeter  and  then 
remove  the  wire  from  the  ^'F  L  D"  terminal 
of  the  regulator.  With  the  engine  still  running 
as  above,  there  should  be  quite  a  flash  on  re- 
moving the  wire  from  the  '^F  L  D"  terminal  of 
the  regulator.    All  these  tests  are  to  be'^a^de 


574  The  Automobile  Handbook 

with  a  good  fuse  in  place  on  the  regulator.  If 
no  flash  is  obtained  on  removing  the  wire  from 
the  *'F  L  D''  terminal,  hold  the  wire  on  the  fuse 
clip  for  a  few  seconds  and  note  whether  there 
is  a  flash  on  removing  it.  A  flash  here  and  none 
from  the  '*F  L  D''  terminal  indicates  a  fault  in 
the  regulator.  No  flash  from  the  fuse  clip  indi- 
cates a  fault  in  the  motor-generator.  It  is  as- 
sumed here  that  the  connections  between  the 
regulator  and  the  motor-dynamo  have  been  ex- 
amined and  found  correct  and  sound. 

If  the  motor-dynamo  develops  its  voltage  but 
still  does  not  charge  the  battery,  the  fault  is 
either  in  the  regulator  or  the  auxiliary  contact 
of  the  starting  switch.  This  can  be  located  by 
connecting  up  the  ammeter  again  as  before,  and 
with  the  engine  still  running  hold  a  wire  pumper 
in  the  hands  and  first  connect  the  "DYN+** 
terminal  of  the  regulator  to  the  "BAT+"  ter- 
minal. If  the  battery  now  charges,  the  fault  is 
in  the  regulator.  If  no  result  is  obtained,  con- 
nect *'BAT+''  terminal  of  the  regulator  to  the 
positive  terminal  of  the  battery.  The  charging 
of  the  battery  now  would  indicate  that  the  fault 
was  in  the  starting  switch. 

The  motor-d>Tiamo  should  not  be  run  with  the 
charging  circuit  open,  except  for  a  minute  or 
two  at  a  time  in  making  tests  and  not  at  all  at 
Yevy  high  speeds,  as  it  would  damage  both  the 
motor-dynamo  and  the  regulator,  and  also  the 
lights  if  turned  on.  If  it  is  necessary  to  operate 
the-  car  with  the  battery  removed  or  with  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  575 

battery  circuit  open  in  any  way,  so  that  !i  lan- 
not  charge,  the  fuse  must  be  removed  from  its 
place  on  the  regulator. 

Auto-Lite  Eqiupment.  These  systems  con- 
sist of  separate  unit  dynamos  and  starting 
motors  operating  with  a  six-volt  pressure  in  all 


Fig.   267 

Auto-Lite  Dynamo  With  Permanent  Field  Magnets 

and  Clutcb   Goveruor 

cases.  The  first  models  were  of  the  permanent 
magnet  type,  that  is  to  say,  the  dynamo  field 
consisted  of  six  powerful  steel  magnets  without 
the  usual  coils,  Fig.  267.  These  magnets  were 
of  the  inverted  U,  or  horseshoe,  type,  and  under- 
neath the  areh  thus  formed  was  mounted  an 
electromagnetic  cut-out  which  closes  the  charg- 
ing circuit  whenever  the  dynamo  voltage  is  suffi- 


376  The  Automobile  Handbook 

<jiently  high  to  charge  the  battery.  This  part  of 
the  mechanism  may  be  exposed  by  removing  the 
brush  wires  and  taking  out  the  plate  that  car- 
ries the  positive  and  negative  dynamo  terminals. 
This  permanent  magnet  dynamo  is  driven 
from  the  engine  by  silent  chain,  but  between 
the  chain  sprocket  and  the  dynamo  armature 
shaft  is  a  form  of  slipping  clutch  governor  con- 
tained in  the  drum  seen  at  the  left  hand  end  of 
Fig.  267.  The  shell  of  this  drum  has  its  driving 
connection  to  the  shaft  by  means  of  two  shoes 
that  are  pressed  outward  by  springs.  Two 
weights  are  carried  at  or  near  the  ends  of  corre- 
sponding arms  inside  of  the  drum,  and  when 
the  armature  shaft  has  reached  a  certain  pre- 
determined speed  the  centrifugal  action  of  the 
weights  overcomes  the  tension  of  .the  springs  and 
the  shoes  release  their  hold  on  the  shell.  By 
thus  preventing  an  armature  speed  above  the 
desired  maximum,  the  voltage  and  output  of 
the  dynamo  is  held  at  a  point  suitable  for  bat- 
tery charging. 

A  later  form  of  Auto-Lite  dynamo  is  shown 
in  P^ig.  268.  This  model  retains  the  inverted  U 
form  of  field  magnet  cores,  but  around  the  top 
of  the  magnet  arch  is  placed  a  field  coil  housing 
and  in  this  housing  is  a  shunt  and  a  reversed 
series  field  ^\anding.  The  shunt  field  winding 
is  attached  between  the  brushes  in  the  usual 
way,  and  the  entire  dynamo  output  passes  out 
through  the  reversed  series  winding.  This 
series  winding  being  placed  in  such  a  way  that 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


577 


it  opposes  the  action  of  the  shunt,  dynamo  out- 
put above  a  certain  point  is  made  to  overcome 
the  field  magnetism  to  such  an  extent  that  the 
amperage  shows  no  further  rise.  The  two 
dynamo  terminals  are  seen  on  the  front  of  the 
field  housing  and  with  this  machine  the  electro- 
magnetic eut-out  is  separately  mounted,  usually 
on  the  dash  of  the  car. 


Auto-Lite    Dynamo    With    Electromagnetic    Fielda 


■A  third  type  of  Auto-Lite  dynamo  is  shown  in 
Fig.  269.  This  machine  is  fully  enclosed  and 
has  its  fields  placed  above  and  below  the  arma- 
ture. The  field  windings  and  regulation  of  out- 
put by  means  of  the  reversed  series  coil  is  the 


bin  The  Automobile  Handbook 

same  as  in  the  type  just  described.  The  brushes 
and  commutator  may  be  exposed  by  removing 
the  plate  A. 

Bijur  Equipment.  These  systems  are  made 
in  three  distinct  forms,  two  being  six-volt  sepa- 
rate unit  dynamo  and  -starting  motor  types. 
while  the  third  is  a  combined  motor-dynamo  op- 
erating at  twelve  volts  for  both  charging  and 
starting. 


Fig.   269 
Auto-Lite  Pully  Enclosed  Dynamo. 

One  of  the  six-volt  systems  makes  use  of  a 
straight  shunt-wound  dynamo  having  a  com- 
hined  regulator  and  cut-out  mounted  in  an 
aluniinuni  housing  on  top  of  the  dynamo  ease. 
Connfctcd  in  series  with  the  shunt  winding  ia  a 
coil  of  high  resistance  wire  which  is  automatic- 
ally inserted  in  the  shunt  field  circuit  by  the 
regulator,  this  action  keeping  the  voltage  con- 
stant. The  regulator  consists  of  an  electro- 
magtiet  with  its  winding    shunted    acroBS    the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  579 

brushes,  so  that  current  always  flows  around 
the  magnet  when  the  dynamo  runs,  also  the 
regulator  contacts  which  are  connected  to  carry 
the  shunt  field  current  around  the  resistance 
coil  when  they  are  closed.  As  the  dynamo  volt- 
age rises,  the  magnet  pulls  the  armature  against 
the  small  spring  and  opens  the  contacts.  The 
shunt  field  current  then  flows  through  the  re- 
sistance and  is  so  reduced  that  the  field  strength 
and  voltage  immediately  fall.  The  low  voltage 
reduces  the  strength  of  the  electromagnet  and 
the  spring  again  closes  the  contacts,  allowing  the 
field  current  to  avoid  the  resistance  coil  and 
raise  the  voltage.  The  regulator  contacts  vibrate 
this  way  at  the  rate  of  about  100  times  a  second 
and  this  holds  the  voltage  at  a  point  determined 
by  the  strength  of  the  regulator  spring  or  its 
tension. 

The  cut-out  is  electromagnetic  with  two  wind- 
ings and  is  carried  in  the  same  case  with  the 
regulator,  this  case  being  on  top  of  the  dynamo. 
All  connections  between  dynamo,  regulator  and 
cut-out  are  made  between  the  regulator  housing 
and  dynamo  case  and  are  not  exposed.  Two 
wires  only  come  from  the  dynamo,  one  positive 
and  one  negative. 

The  dynamo  wires  end  in  a  brass  plug  on  one 
end  of  the  regulator  case.  This  plug  may  be 
rotated  in  its  socket  so  that  it  makes  part  of  a 
turn  one  way  or  the  other.  Turning  this  plug 
as  far  toward  the  engine  as  it  will  go  makes  one 
wire  positive  and  the  other  negative,  and  turn- 


580 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ing  it  as  far  from  the  engine  as  it  will  go  re- 
verses this  polarity.  This  reversal  should  be 
made  every  500  miles,  being  sure  that  the  pliig 
is  turned  as  far  as  it  will  go  so  that  it  locks  in 
place.  This  action  reverses  the  polarity  of  the 
dynamo  and  prevents  pitting  of  the  contacts. 


Blji 


Fig,  270 
f  Wiring  Diagram  for  Voltage  Control  System 


After  adjustments  are  made  the  regulator  hos 
is  si'iih'il  at  the  factory  and  the  maker's  instruc- 
tioiLS  say  not  to  open  it.  The  entire  box  may 
l>e  ri'Timved  from  the  dynamo  by  unscrewing  the 
small  milled  iint  on  top,  the  connections  between 
till'  c-asi'K  liciiifr  made  with  split  pins.  Lights 
;i]iii  sfarti'v  will  run  from  the  battery  while  the 
rrtrulatnr  is  returned  to  the  makers  for  repairs. 
\  iDinplete  wiring  diagram  for  this  form  of 
Hijur  apparatus  is  shown  in  Pig.  270. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


In  Fig.  271  is  shown  the  apphcation  of  an- 
other  form   of   six-volt   separate   unit   system. 


This  dynamo  has  no  controller  hox  as  has  the 
one  just  described,  but  the  shunt  field  winding 


582  The  Automobile  Handbook 

is  connected  to  an  additional  brush  bearing  on 
the  dynamo  commutator.  This  brush  is  for  the 
purpose  of  limiting  the  dynamo  amperage  and 
is  so  placed  in  relation  to  the  main  brushes  that 
the  current  passing  into  it,  and  thereby  into  the 
shunt  field,  diminishes  with  increase  of  speed. 
The  normal  tendency  of  the  output  to  increase 
with  the  speed  of  rotation  is  therefore  counter- 
acted and  a  safe  maximum  is  maintained.  This 
is  the  form  of  regulation  known  as  "third 
brush." 

The  electromagnetic  cut-out  for  this  system 
is  mounted  inside  of  the  brush  and  commutator 
end  of  the  dynamo  case.  This  end  of  the  ma- 
chine is  closed  by  a  removable  brass  band,  and 
through  the  openings  left  with  this  band  re- 
moved the  working  parts  of  the  machine  may  be 
inspected.  Mounted  on  the  outside  of  the  dy- 
namo case,  and  connected  in  series  with  the  field 
windings,  is  a  small  fuse  which  will  blow  out 
whenever  the  current  passing  through  the  fields 
becomes  excessive.  This  fuse  will  protect  the 
dynamo  in  case  of  a  broken  circuit  between 
dynamo  and  battery  or  lamp  lines. 

Separate  starting  motors  of  Bijur  make  may 
drive  to  the  engine  through  an  overrunning 
clutch,  through  direct  acting  spur  gears  or  by 
means  of  a  Bendix  screw.  With  the  Bendix 
screw,  a  single  contact  starting  switch  is  used 
which  sends  the  full  battery  current  to  the  motor 
when  the  switch  is  closed.  With  the  spur  gear 
drive,  the  starter  switch  makes  a  preliminary 


The  Automobile  Handbook  583 

contact  through  a  resistance  coil  and  continued 
movement  of  the  switch  pedal  and  plunger 
closes  the  contacts  that  short  circuit  the  resist- 
ance and  send  the  full  battery  current  through 
the  motor.  The  same  operation  that  meshes  the 
starting  gears  moves  the  switch  plunger. 

Bijur  motor-dynamos  operate  at  twelve  volts 
and  have  their  output  controlled  by  the  **  third 
brush''  system  as  explained  for  the  type  just 
described.  Drive  is  direct  to  the  engine  crank- 
shaft through  a  silent  chain.'  No  cut-out  is  used, 
but  when  the  motor-dynamo  is  connected;  to  the 
battery  by  means  of  the  starting  switch,  the 
switch  is  allowed  to  remain  closed  'and  the  in- 
creasing speed  of  the  unit  when  driven  from 
the  engine  causes  the  voltage  as  a  dynamo  to 
rise  to  a  point  that  recha^ggjg  the  battery.  When 
the  car  is  operated  at  a^peed  below  about  ten 
miles  an  hour,  the  dynamo  voltage  falls  below 
that  of  a  battery  and  the  unit  again  becomes 
a  starting  motor.  A  neutral  position  is  pro- 
vided on  the  starting  switch  for  use  when  the 
car  is  being  driven  at  low  speeds  or  when  the 
engine  is  idling.  With  the  switch  in  this  posi- 
tion the  motor-dynamo  is  disconnected  and  bat- 
tery discharge  is  prevented! 

Bosch  Equipment.  The  dynamo  is  shown 
in  Fig.  272  and  is  used  in  connection  with  a 
starting  motor  of  the  Rushmore  type  and  having 
the  Rushmore  form  of  drive  to  the  flywheel. 

The  dynamo  is  a  separate  unit,  shunt  wound, 
delivering  12  volts  with  a  maximum  output  of 


584  The  Automobile  Handbook 

8  to  10  amperes  at  high  car  speeds  with  a  par- 
tially discharged  battery. 

A  box  mouuted  on  the  dasb  carries  a  volt- 
aiimieter,  voltage  regulator,  cut-out,  lighting  and 
ignition  switches  and  fuses.  A  small  lever  is 
moved  to  cause  the  meter  to  show  either  volts 
or  amperes  on  the  same  meter. 


Fig.  272 
BOHch  Dynamo 
}{c}iiilalinn  acts  to  maintain  a  steady  voltage. 
The  iTguliitor  consists  of  a  small  cylinder  of 
tai'lmii  particles  with  one  end  of  the  shunt  field 
winding  comicctcd  to  one  end  of  the  carbon  pile 
iind  tile  cori-i'sponding  dynamo  brush  connected 
to  1lif-  other  I'nd  of  the  carbon.  The  shunt  fii'ld 
cucn^nt  tliiis  ])asses  through  the  carbon.  The 
cni'lioii  parlicU'S  are  held  tightly  compressed  by 
a  ])lui]g(.'r  titling  inside  the  cylinder  with  a  coil 
si)riMg  hoJiJing  the  plunger  down.  Under  this 
condilion  the  resistance  of  the  carbon  is  very 
low   and   allows  practically   the  whole   of  the 


shunt  field  current  to  pass  without  interruption. 
An  electromagnet  forms  part  of  the  regulator 
and  is  connected  in  shunt  across  the  ^  dynamo 
brushes  so  that  its  strength  increases  with  the 
rise  in  voltage.  This  electromagnet  acts  to  pull 
up  on  the  plunger  against  the  action  of  the 
spring,  and  as  the  voltage  rises  the  pressure  on 
the  carbon  is  lessened  in  this  way  and  the  re- 
sistance of  the  carbon  pile  increases  rapidly  as 
the  particles  are  loosened.  This  resistance  in 
the  field  lowers  the  voltage  and  output. 

An  electromagnetic  cut-out  is  carried  in  the 
dash  unit  housing  with  the  voltage  regulator. 
These  systems  make  use  of  the  single  wire, 
ground  return  method  of  wiring.  The  start- 
ing cable  is,  however,  covered  with  a  copper 
sheath  that  assists  in  carrying  the  return  cur- 
rent to  the  battery. 

Delco  Equipment.  A  majority  of  Delco 
applications  have  l)een  of  the  motor-dynamo 
type,  this  method  being  departed  from  for  the 
first  time  on  some  of  the  applications  made  on 
1916  cars.  The  first  Delco  system  to  be  used 
consisted  of  a  motor-dynamo  that  operated  as 
a  starter  at  24  volts  and  charged  to  six  volts 
for  lighting  and  battery  charging.  The  bat- 
tery for  this  system  consists  of  twelve  cells 
divided  into  four  sections  of  three  cells  each. 
By  means  of  a  two  position  multiple  contact 
knife  switch  carried  in  the  battery  box,  these 
sections  were  placed  in  series  for  starting  and 
in   parallel  for   lighting  and   charging.      The 


complete-  charging  circuit  diagram  is  Bfaown  in 
Pig.  273.  ■■ 

The  battery  charge  is  controlled  by  a  form 
of  wattmeter,  called  an  ampere-hour  meter. 
Current  flowing  into  the  battery  causes  this 
meter  to  revolve  in  one  direction  and  current 


Pig.   273 
Charging  Circuit  of  Deico  6-24.  Volt 


flowing  out  of  the  battery  causes  it  to  revolve 
in  the  opposite  direction.  After  a  certain  flow 
has  entered  the  battery,  the  meter  has  moved  to 
such  a  position  that  a  resistance  is  inserted  in 
the  shunt  fleld  winding  of  the  dynamo  and  the 
rate  of  charge  is  thereby  reduced.     Further 


movement  of  the  meter  in  the  same  direction 
opens  the  shunt  field  current  and  further  bat- 
tery charge  is  prevented.  "Withdrawal  of  cur- 
rent causes  the  meter  to  reverse  this  movement 
and  the  field  circuit  is  first  closed  through  the 
resistance  and  the  resistance  is  then  cut  out 
entirely,  allowing  a  resumption  of  full  battery 
charge. 

Fig.  274  shows  the  complete  circuit  diagram 
for  this  system.  The  magnetic  latch  is  for  the 
purpose  of  allowing  the  driver  to  close  the  start- 
ing switch  and  mesh  the  motor  gears  with  the 
flywheel  when  the  clutch  pedal  is  depressed.  By 
means  of  a  small  push  button,  usually  on  the 
heel  board,  the  latch  magnet  is  energized  and 
the  latch  itself  connects  the  starting  gearing 
with  the  clutch  pedal.  Depression  of  the 
pedal  then  causes  starting  action  as  described. 
The  application  of  this  system  on  a  car,  with 
external  wiring  shown,  is  seen  in  Fig.  275. 

A  form  of  Delco  motor-dynamo  having  two 
separate  commutators  and  two  sets  of  brushes 
is  shown  in  Fig.  276.  One  of  these  commuta- 
tors is  for  the  dynamo  generating  action,  while 
the  other  is  for  starting. 

When  the  unit  is  generating  current  for 
charging  the  battery,  for  lights  and  ignition, 
it  is  a  simple  shunt  wound  generator.  It  is 
driven  from  the  engine  by  an  extension  of  the 
pump  shaft.  The  generator  is  driven  at  one 
and  one-half  crankshaft  speed,  and  in  order 
to  compensate  for  the  higher  ratio  when  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  589 


The  Automobile  Handbooh 


Fig.  276 
Deico  Motor-Dynamo  With  Starter  Switch  Honoted 
Above  Flywheel  Drive  Gearing.  A,  Oil  Hole. 
B,  Oil  Hole.  C,  Grease  Cup.  D,  Gear  Shift 
Yoke.  B,  Switch  Operating  Rod.  F,  Swlteb 
Spring.  G.  Flywheel  Gear.  H,  Motor  Pinion 
Gear.  I.  Clutch  Shaft.  J,  Shift  Yoke  Rod.  K. 
Tripping  Collar.  L,  ConUot  Block  Latch.  H, 
Contact    Block. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  591 


592 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


unit  is  in  starting  relation  to  the  engine,  a  sec- 
ond one-way  clutch  is  provided  adjacent  to  the 
forward  housing.  This  clutch  permits  the  arma- 
ture to  run  ahead  of  the  driving  shaft  during 
the  cranking  operation. 

Fig.    277    illustrates    the    Delco    "Junior" 
motor-dynamo  and  the  starting  switch  is  shown 


Fig.   278 
Delco  Starting  Switch 


in  Fig.  278.  These  units  cannot  well  be  shown 
in  their  actual  locations  and  are  therefore  shown 
separate.  Referring  to  Figs.  277  and  278,  the 
yoke  H  fits  into  the  collar  I  which  is  pinned  to 
the  rod  D.  The  movement  of  the  rod  from  the 
starter  pedal  operates  the  gearing  and  the 
starting  switch. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  593 

When  the  starting  pedal  is  pushed  down  it 
pulls  back  the  rod  D  and  closes  the  contact  E, 
which  completes  the  circuit  between  the  battery 
and  dynamo  armature.  The  closing  of  the  cir- 
cuit causes  the  armature  to  revolve  slowly  so 
that  the  gear  J  will  mesh  with  the  motor  pinion 
as  it  slides  along  on  its  shaft.  As  the  starting 
pedal  is  pushed  further  down  it  continues  to 
pull  the  rod  D,  which  opens  the  contact  F, 
breaking  the  circuit  between  the  battery  and 
dynamo  armature.  This  action  of  the  rod  at 
the  same  time  causes  the  motor  brush  switch  to 
drop  onto  the  motor  commutator,  and  the  train 
of  gears  to  slide  on  its  shaft  until  in  mesh  with 
the  motor  pinion  and  the  teeth  on  the  flywheel. 

The  motor  brush  dropping  on  the  commuta- 
tor causes  the  circuit  to  be  closed  between  the 
storage  battery  and  the  motor  armature,  which 
causes  the  motor  to  crank  over  the  engine. 

When  the  starting  lever  is  released  the  motor 
switch  brush  is  raised  from  the  motor  commu- 
tator and  the  train  of  gears  is  thrown  out  of 
mesh,  when  the  contacts  F  will  automatically 
close. 

If  the  speed  of  the  motor  generator  is  above 
'350  revolutions  per  minute,  the  cut-out  relay, 
Fig.  279,  will  close  the  circuit  between  the  stor- 
age battery  and  motor  generator,  thus  permit- 
ting the  generator  to  charge  the  storage  bat- 
tery. If  the  speed  of  the  motor  generator  is  less 
than  350  revolutions  per  minute,  the  cut-out 
relay  will   remain   open   and   all   current   for 


594 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ignition  and  lights,  if  they  are  in  use,  will  come 
from  the  storage  battery. 

Oil  is  conveyed  to  the  ball  bearings  through 
oil  cup  B  and  the  small  hole  A  in  the  front  end 
cover.  This  hole  is  made  accessible  by  remov- 
ing the  upper  front  end  cover.  At  the  time  4 
or  5  drops  of  light  oil  are  put  in  the  oil  cup 
B  and  the  hole  A,  the  grease  cup  C  should  be 


CUT  OUT 
REL/\y 


Fig.  279 
Delco  Reverse  Current  Cut-out 


given  1  or  2  turns  or  replenished  if  empty. 

The  cut-out  relay,  Fig.  279,  is  located  in  the 
rear  end  housing  of  the  generator.  This  instru- 
ment closes  the  circuit  between  the  -  generatoi 


The  Automobile  Handbook  595 

and   the   storage   battery  when  the   generator 
voltage  is  high  enough  to  charge  the  storage 
battery.    It  also  opens  the  circuit  as  the  gener- 
ator slows  down  and  its  voltage  becomes  less 
than  that  of  the  storage  battery,  thus  prevent- 
ing the  battery  from  discharging  back  through 
the  generator.     The  cut-out  relay  is  an  electro- 
magnet with  a  compound  winding.    The  voltage 
coil  or  fine  wire  winding  is  connected  directly 
across  the  terminals  of  the  generator.    The  cur- 
rent coil,  or  coarse  wire  winding,  is  in  series 
with  the  circuit  between  the  generator  and  the 
storage  battery,  and  the  circuit  is  opened  and 
closed  at  the  contacts  A.     When  the  engine  is 
started,   the   generator  voltage   builds  up   and 
when  it  reaches  about  six  volts  a  current  pass- 
ing   through    the    voltage    winding    produces 
enough  magnetism  to  overcome  the  tension  of 
the  spring  B,  attracting  the  magnet  armature 
C  to  core  D,  which  closes  the  contacts  A.    Tliese 
contacts  close  the  circuit  between  the  generator 
and    storage    battery.      The    current    flowing 
through  the  coarse  wire  winding  increases  the 
pull  on  the  armature  and  gives  a  good  contact 
of  low  resistance  at  the  contact  points. 

Delco  systems  used  during  1915  consist  of  sin- 
gle armature  motor-dynamos,  one  application  of 
which  is  shown  in  Fig.  280.  The  armature  car- 
ries two  commutators,  one  on  each  end  or  both 
on  the  front  end,  the  rear  end  commutator  be- 
ing for  the  starting  motor  action. 

Two  separate  field  coils  are  used ;  a  shunt  for 

/ 


the  dynamo  action  and  a  series  for  the  startiiig 
motor  action.  These  coils  are  both  on  the  same 
field  magnet  core  and  have  separate  terminal.^ 

The  drive  as  g  dynamo  is  from  the  rear  ex- 
tension of  the  pnmp  shaft  through  a  roller  over- 
running clutch  which  releases  when  the  arma- 
ture turns  at  high  speed  as  a  starting  motor. 

The  starting  motor  drive  is  through  a  pinion 
on  the  rear  end  of  the  armature  shaft  to  a  ring 
gear  on  the  flywheel.  Two  gears,  fastened  to- 
gether, are  free  to  rotate  as  a  pair  on  an  auxil- 
iary shaft,  the  gears  being  slid  along  this  shaft 
by  a  yoke  connected  to  the  starting  i>edal  until 
one  is  in  mesh  with  the  armature  shaft  pinion 
and  the  other  with  the  flywheel  gear,  complet- 
ing the  drive  connection.  A  roller  clutch  is  in- 
corporated in  the  front  one  of  the  pair  of  slid- 
ing gears,  this  clutch  releasing  while  the  arma- 
ture is  being  driven  as  a  dynamo. 

Starting  switch  action  is  secured  by  normally 
holding  one  of  the  motor  commutator  brushes 
away  from  the  commutator  by  means  of  a  rod 
connected  to  the  starting  lever  or  pedal.  When 
the  lever  or  pedal  is  moved  this  rod  is  drawn 
back  so  that  the  brush  drops  onto  the  commu- 
tator under  the  action  of  its  spring,  completing 
the  circuit  from  the  battery  through  the  series 
winding  and  armature.  This  rod  is  fastened  to 
the  sliding  gears  so  that  they  must  be  in  mesh 
before  the  brush  can  drop. 

The  dynamo  brush  that  is  grounded  com- 
pletes its  connection  to  ground  through  a  pi.:r 


of  contacts,  one  stationary  and  one  movable, 
Fig.  281.  The  movable  contact  is  attached  to 
an  arm  on  the  movable  starter  brush  in  aucli  a 


/'GENERATOR 
SWITCH, 


Ftg.   281 

Commutator    End    oC    Delco    Governor    CoatroHed 

Motor-Dynamo 

way  that  the  contacts  open  as  the  starter  brush 
di'ops  onto  the  commutator.  This  prevents 
dynamo  action  while  the  armature  is  acting  to 

start  the  engine. 


No  fuses  are  used,  but  there  is  a  magnetic 
circuit  breaker,  the  electromagnet  of  which  acts 
to  open  the  contacts  from  the  battery  and  dy- 


RECULATtNC 

RESISTANCE 
RESISTANCE 


MANUAL  V^    CLUTCH" 

SPARK  CONTROL 

Fig.    282 


namo  to  the  lamp  and  ear  wiring  when  25  am- 
peres flow.  After  the  circuit  breaker  opens  the 
contacts  continue  to  vibrate  open  and  closed  if 


there  is  a  flow  amounting  to  five  amperes.  The 
circuit  breaker  will  not  stay  closed  until  the 
ground  or  short  circuit  that  is  causing  the  leak 
of  current  has  been  removed.  The  spring  of 
this  current  breaker  should  not  be  adjusted  in 
any  way  as  it  is  a  safety  device. 

Delco  systems  may  have  any  one  of  three  dif- 
ferent systems  for  regulating  the  dynamo  out- 
put. One  type  consists  of  a  differential  or  buck- 
ing coil  carried  on  the  field  magnets  and  con- 
nected in  series  with  the  main  line  from  the 
dynamo  brush  to  the  dash  switch  unit. 

Another  method  makes  use  of  a  coil  of  resist- 
ance wire  carried  on  a  spool  in  the  front  end  of 
the  dynamo  case  on  the  right  hand  side,  Fig. 
282.  One  end  of  the  shunt  field  winding  is 
grounded  through  this  resistance  coil  so  that 
the  field  current  would  have  to  pass  through 
the  coil.  Tliis  high  resistance  would  allow  but 
little  flow  and  would  weaken  the  field  to  such 
a  point  that  the  output  would  be  very  low. 
"When  the  dynamo  is  running  at  low  speeds  the 
fi(^ld  current,  after  passing  to  the  lower  end  of 
the  r(^sistanee  coil,  goes  to  the  ground  through 
an  arm  making  contact  with  the  coil.  This  arm 
carries  a  contact  which  slides  up  and  down  on 
the  resistance  coil,  the  arm  being  moved  by  a 
cciilrirnpral  governor  attached  to  the  ignition 
dislril)nter  shaft.  As  the  dynamo  speed  in- 
creases, the  governor  weights  cause  the  movable 
arm  to  raise  so  that  its  contact  is  farther  from 
the  bottom  of  the  resistance  coil,  and  the  field 


The  Automobile  Handbook  601 

Burrent  must  consequently  flow  through  a  great- 
3r  length  of  resistance  wire  before  reaching  the 
sontact  on  the  arm  and  passing  to  the  ground. 
Phis  greater  resistance  in  the  shunt  field  circuit 
Etllows  less  current  to  flow  and  by  thus  weak- 
3ning  the  field  cuts  down  the  dynamo  output 
at  high  speeds. 

The  third  system  of  regulation  also  causes 
the  shunt  field  current  to  pass  to  the  ground 
through  a  coil  of  resistance  wire.  This  resist- 
ance coil  is  wound  on  a  spool  and  the  spool  is 
3arried  at  one  end  of  a  rod,  the  other  end  of  the 
rod  forming  the  plunger  of  a  solenoid  coil.  The 
strength  of  this  solenoid  increases  with  the  volt- 
ige,  being  connected  in  shunt  with  the  brushes. 
Increased  strength  of  the  solenoid  pulls  the 
plunger  farther  into  the  coil.  This  solenoid  coil 
is  in  the  upper  end  of  a  cylindrical  housing, 
md  the  resistance  coil  is  carried  below  the  sole- 
aoid.  The  plunger  and  resistance  are  normally 
m  a  low  position  but  are  raised  by  the  solenoid 
action.  In  the  low  position  the  resistance  coil 
3ips  into  a  well  partly  full  of  mercury  so  that 
the  shunt  field  current  does  not  have  to  pass 
through  all  the  resistance  wire  but  passes  into 
:he  mercury  and  to  the  ground  from  a  contact 
fastened  to  the  mercury  well.  As  the  voltage 
rises  the  solenoid  becomes  stronger,  lifting  the 
plunger  and  pulling  the  resistance  coil  up  out 
)f  the  mercury  well  so  that  the  shunt  field  cur- 
rent must  flow  through  a  greater  length  of  re- 
dstance  wire  before  reaching  the  ground.    This 


602  The  Automobile  Handbook 

added  resistance  allows  less  current  to  flow 
through  the  shunt  field  and  consequently  lowers 
the  field  strength  and  the  output  of  the  dynamo. 

Delco  systems  use  either  of  two  methods  of 
reverse  current  cut-out.  One  type  comprises 
a  dash  switch  with  five  buttons.  The  three  left- 
hand  buttons  are  for  the  lights,  the  two  right- 
hand  being  for  the  ignition.  The  button  on  the 
extreme  right  is  for  the  storage  battery  ignition, 
the  one  next  to  it  being  for  the  dry  cells.  Each 
of  these  buttons  carries  two  contacts  inside  the 
switch,  one  completing  the  ignition  circuit  and 
the  other  completing  the  charging  circuit. 
When  the  engine  is  to  be  started  either  of  the 
ignition  switches  is  pulled  out.  The  current 
then  passes  from  the  battery  to  contact  (1)  on 
the  switch,  through  the  inner  connection  of 
eitlier  dry  cell  (Bat.)  or  storage  battery  (Mag.) 
switch  and  out  of  terminal  (6)  to  the  shunt 
dynamo  winding  and  armature  brushes.  This 
causes  the  dynamo  parts  to  act  as  a  motor  of 
very  low  power  and  the  armature  revolves 
slowly  so  that  the  starting  gears  can  be  meshed. 
As  soon  as  the  gears  are  meshed  the  motor 
brush  drops  onto  its  commutator  and  completes 
the  starting  circuit  while  breaking  the  dynamo 
circuit  as  described  before.  The  battery  cur- 
rent will  then  cease  to  flow  through  terminal 
(6)  but  will  flow  through  the  circuit  breaker, 
whose  points  are  held  closed  by  a  spring,  and 
througli  the  other  connection  on  the  switch  but- 
ton plunger,  out  through  terminal  (7)  and  to 


The  Automoiile  Handbpok  603 


604  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  ignition  coil.  If  the  **Bat"  button  is  pulled 
out  the  dry  cell  current  comes  into  terminal 
(2)  and  out  through  (7)  to  the  ignition  coil. 
When  the  engine  has  been  started  and  the  dy- 
namo generates  a  voltage  greater  than  the  bat- 
tery, current  will  flow  from  the  dynamo  through 
the  differential  winding  (if  one  is  used)  into 
terminal  (6),  through  the  inner  contacts  of  the 
switch  and  out  through  (1)  to  the  battery.  If 
the  ignition  switches  are  left  closed  with  the 
engine  idle  the  battery  will  discharge  through 
the  switch  contacts  and  dynamo  parts,  these 
switches  acting  as  the  cut-out  with  the  dynamo 
and  engine  idle. 

The  construction  of  Delco  apparatus  used 
during  1916  differs  from  that  already  described 
in  one  important  particular.  The  outptit  of 
the  dynamo  when  charging  the  battery  is  con- 
trolled by  the  ** third  brush''  principle. 

One  of  the  applications  is  shown  in  Pig.  283 
and  it  will  be  noted  that  the  armature  and  field 
location,  starting  drive  and  ignition  mechanism 
is  similar  to  the  forms  previously  used.  The 
brush  position  is  shown  in  Fig.  284.  The  action 
is  explained  as  follows :  The  full  voltage  is  ob- 
tained ])etween  the  large  brushes  and  the  volt- 
age between  the  left  hand  large  brush  and  the 
small  regulating  brush  is  less  than  the  full 
pressure.  This  reduced  voltage  is  applied  to 
the  field  coils.  With  the  armature  rotating,  the 
magnetic  field  is  twisted  out  of  its  normal  path 
between  the  pole  pieces,  the  degree  of  deflection 


Tke  Automobile  Handbook 


ling  in  direct  ratio  to  the  increase  of  speed. 
bis  deSection  causes  the  magnetic  flow  to  be- 


Fig.  284 
Brusb   Mechanism  ot   Delco  Motor-Dynamo 


(me  weaker  at  the  points  on  the  pole  pieces 
lat  affect  the  flow  into  the  "third  brush"  and 
lis  weakened  field  current  compensates  for 
le  higher  output  that  would  otherwise  be 
iused  by  increase  of  speed.  Fig.  285  shows 
te  starting  motor  end  of  this  same  machine. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Auother  application  of  the  third   brush  dy- 
iiamo  does  not  make  use  of  the  raotor-dynainn 


Fig.  286 

Motor  Brush  Sivitcli  Connections  ol  Delco  Motor 

DyDamo 

coMiliinatiou,  ))ut  uses  a  separate  seriea  woum 
iiKitoi-  driving  to  the  flywheel  through  a  Beudb 
screw. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  607 

Djneto  and  Entz  Equipment.  These  in- 
;aIlation8  make  use  of  a  combined  motor-dy- 
amo  operating  with  twelve  volts  in  some  eases 
ad  with  eighteen  in  others.  A  compound  field 
inding  is  used,  series  and  shunt  coils  acting 


Fig.  286 
Five  Terminal  Dyneto-Entz  Motor-Dynamo 


■gether  in  starting  and  forming  a  reversed 
riea  controlled  machine  in  generating.  The 
iversal  of  the  direction  of  flow  through  the 
ries  field  while  generating  causes  this  winding 
1  oppose  the  shunt  winding  at  high  armature 
teeds  and  the  dynamo  output  is  thereby  limit- 
l  to  a  safe  n 


608  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Dyneto  and  Entz  outfits  do  not  make  use  of 
a  cut-out  of  the  usual  form.  The  motor-dynama 
is  placed  in  circuit  with  the  battery  when  the 
starting  switch  is  closed  and  this  switch  is  left 
closed  as  long  as  the  machine  operates.  As 
soon  as  the  unit  has  started  the  ei^ue,   the 


Fig.  287 
Four  Terminal  Dyneto  Motor-Dynamo 

engine  causes  the  armature  speed  to  increase 
to  a  point  at  which  the  voltt^e  is  greater  than 
the  ballery  and  charging  then  commences.  If, 
at  any  time,  the  armature  speed  falls  below  a 
certain  point  the  machine  again  resumes  its  ac- 
tion as  a  starting  motor. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  609 

The  ignition  is  controlled  by  the  same  switch 
that  makes  the  battery  and  motor-dynamo  cir- 
cuit. With  this  switch  in  the  **Off"  position, 
the  ignition  is  inoperative  and  the  battery  is 
disconnected  from  the  motor-dynamo.  With  the 
switch  in  the  **0n"  or  ** Running''  position, 
the  ignition  is  on  and  the  battery  is  connected 
to  the  electric  machine.  A  switch  position  mid- 
way between  the  two  mentioned  is  provided, 
this  position  being  called  ** Neutral."  With  the 
switch  at  ** Neutral,''  the  ignition  is  operative 
but  the  motor-dynamo  circuit  is  open  so  that 
the  battery  will  not  discharge,  and  the  machine 
will  not  act  as. a  starting  motor  at  low  engine 
speeds. 

The  number  of  terminals  differs  on  various 
types ;  one  with  five  connections  being  shown  in 
Fig.  !286  and  another  unit  with  four  terminals 
being  illustrated  in  Fig,  287. 


610 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Gray  ft  Davis  Equipment.  The  type  of  equip- 
incut  used  from  1912  to  1914  is  described  below. 

This  system  comprises  two  units:  1,  tlie 
starling   motor;   2,    the    dynamo    for   chai^ag 


battpry  and  lighting.  The  function  of  the  dy- 
namo is  to  furnish  current  for  lamps  and  cur- 
rent for  the  battery.  The  starting  motor  starts 
thi'  engine.  Tbis  motor  is  connected  with  the  fly- 
wlioel  by  gears,  and  when  a  starting  pedal  is 


The  Automobile  Handbook  611 

pressed  the  motor  turns  the  flywheel  and  crank- 
shaft and  keeps  turning  until  the  engine  *  Spicks 
up.''  The  starting  motor  then  automatically 
ceases  to  operate. 

The  dynamo  system  includes  the  following: 

1,  a  constant-speed  dynamo,  driven  from  the 
engine  or  jackshaft  by  gear  or  a  silent  chain; 

2,  a  governor,  to  take  care  of  the  varying  speed 
of  the  engine ;  3,  an  electric  cut-out,  to  discon- 
nect the  dynamo  from  the  battery  when  run- 
ning below  the  charging  speed ;  4,  a  battery  to 
operate  the  lights  when  the  dynamo  is  not  run- 
ning at  the  necessary  speed  or  when  the  en- 
gine is  stopped.  This  battery  may  also  be  used 
for  firing  the  engine. 

1.  The  dynamo  is  of  the  compound-wound 
type,  designed  to  run  at  a  constant  speed  of 
1000  revolutions  per  minute.  The  system  is  so 
wired  that  the  series  field  is  carrying  current 
only  when  the  lights  are  burning.    See  Fig.  289. 

2.  The  governor  is  of  the  simple,  centrifugal 
type,  but  operates  a  friction  clutch  of  new  de- 
sign. In  operation  the  clutch  slips  just  enough 
to  hold  the  dynamo  speed  always  at  1000 
r.  p.  m.,  whether  the  engine  speed  corresponds 
to  a  car  speed  of  13  or  of  60  miles  an  hour. 

3.  The  electric  cut-out  consists  of  an  elec- 
tro-magnet with  a  compound  winding,  the  fine 
wire  part  of  which  is  connected  across  the  dy- 
namo terminals.  Its  function  is,  as  stated,  to 
disconnect  the  dynamo  from  the  battery  when 
the  engine  is  running  very  slowly  or  is  at  rest. 


612  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


613 


n  automatic  switch  of  this  nature  were  not 
the  circuit  the  battery  would  discharge 
>ugh  the  dynamo  when  the  dynamo  was  no 
ler  maintaining  charging  voltage, 

A  battery  rated  at  6  volta,   80-ampere 


r  capacity  at  a  discharge  rate  of  8  amperes 
irnished  with  this  system  sufficient  to  carry 
full  lamp  load  for  ten  hours  or  the  side  and 
lamps  for  thirty  hours.     The  arrangement 


G14 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


of  the  switch  connections  is  such  that  thf 
(lynHino  operates  as  a  shunt-wound  machine 
\w\uW.  charging  the  battery  and  as  compound- 
woiuid  wlion  supplying  the  lamps  directly.  Tliis 
gives  the  battery  a  tapering  charge. 


Tlie  wiring  for  tins  system  ia  plainly  shown 
in  tht;  acrconipiiii.ving  diagram.     See  Fig.   289. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  615 

The  newer  models  of  Gray  &  Davis  equip- 
ment make  use  of  a  separate  dynamo  or  ignition- 
dynamo  with  a  combined  output  regulator  and 
cut-out  carried  in  a  housing  on  top  of  the  unit. 

The  interior  construction  of  the  dynamo  is 
shown  in  Fig.  291,  the  particular  model  illus- 
trated being. arranged  for  carrying  an  ignition 
head  at  the  drive  end  and  providing  a  spiral 
gear  drive. 

The  cut-out  and  regulator  are  in  the  same 
case  and  the  one  large  electromagnet  operates 
both.  This  magnet  carries  two  windings,  shunt 
and  series.  When  the  dynamo  is  idle  the  cut- 
out contacts  are  open  and  the  two  regulator  con- 
tacts are  closed,  being  held  that  way  by  their 
respective  springs.  Fig.  292.  Current  enters 
the  shunt  coil  of  the  controller  through  the 
grounded  end  and  down  through  the  terminal  A 
to  the  negative  brush,  thus  receiving  current 
from  between  the  brushes  whenever  the  dynamo 
runs.  When  the  voltage  rises  to  a  point  in  this 
coil  so  that  the  magnet  overcomes  the  tension 
of  the  cut-out  spring  the  cut-out  contacts  close. 
Current  which  has  passed  from  the  grounded 
positive  brush  of  the  dynamo  through  the  bat- 
tery in  charging,  returns  to  the  terminal  B  and 
passes  through  the  entire  length  of  the  series 
coil  on  the  magnet  before  going  through  the 
cut-out  contacts  to  the  terminal  A  and  negative 
brush.  Current  which  has  passed  through  the 
lamps  returns  to  the  terminal  L  and  through 
only  a  part  of  the  series  coil  on  the  magnet 


The  Automobile  Sandbook 


Internal  Connections  of  Gray  A  Darii  Vlbrftting 

Regulator   System 


The  Automobile  Handbook  617 

before  reaching  the  negative  side.  The  more 
lamps  are  turned  on  the  more  current  they 
take  and  the  less  current  is  left  to  pass  through 
the  battery.  It  will  therefore  be  seen  that  if 
enough  lamps  were  turned  on  to-  leave  nothing 
going  through  the  battery  the  part  of  the  series 
coil  between  L  and  B  would  carry  no  current 
and  the  strength  of  the  magnet  would  be  weak- 
ened. For  the  same  reason  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  more  lamps  turned  on  the  weaker  this  coil 
and  magnet  become.  This  is  part  of  the  regu- 
lator action  as  will  be  explained. 

The  regulator  action  is  as  follows:  Current 
passes  from  the  positive  brush  through  the  shunt 
field  and  into  the  terminals  F  and  Fl,  then 
through  the  regulator  contacts  which  are  closed 
and  back  to  the  terminal  A  to  the  negative 
brush.  As  the  voltage  passing  through  the 
shunt  magnet  coil  increases  after  the  cut-out 
has  closed,  its  strength  finally  reaches  a  point 
where  the  tension  of  the  regulator  contact  spring 
is  overcome  and  the  contacts  are  pulled  open. 
The  current  from  terminals  F  and  Fl  must 
now  return  to  the  negative  brush  through  the 
resistance  wire  coils  seen  between  the  two  regu- 
lator contacts,  this  resistance  retarding  the  flow 
and  weakening  the  dynamo  fields  and  conse- 
quently lowering  the  output  and  voltage  until 
the  weakened  magnet  allows  the  regulator  con- 
tacts to  again  close.  This  action  causes  these 
contacts  to  vibrate  and  keep  a  steady  output. 
As  explained  above,  the  strength  of  the  magnet 


618  The  Automobile  Handbook 

■ 

is  decreased  as  more  lamps  are  turned  on,  so 
that  the  regulator  contacts  remain  closed  for  a 
longer  time,  and,  as  the  resistance  is  not  in  the 
field  when  they  are  closed,  the  output  is  allowed 
to  rise  to  care  for  the  added  lamp  load. 

The  cut-out  is  of  the  simple  electromagnetic 
type.  The  action  of  the  regulator  allows  the  bat- 
tery to  receive  a  small  charge  even  with  all 
lamps  on. 

Removable  plates  cover  either  side  of  the  dy- 
namo, allowing  access  to  the  inside  without  dis- 
turbing any  parts  or  wires. 

A  charge  indicator  is  located  on  the  dash  or 
cowl.  The  pointer  turns  upward  if  current  is 
passing  to  the  battery  and  downward  when  cur- 
rent passes  out  of  the  battery  for  any  purpose. 
If  the  pointer  is  straight  across  the  battery  is 
neither  charging  or  discharging.  This  indi- 
cator should  show  charge  at  car  speeds  above 
10  to  12  miles  per  hour. 

The  output  of  the  dynamo  may  be  tested  by 
turning  on  all  lamps  and  disconnecting  the  wire 
from  terminal  B.  The  lamps  are  then  burning 
directly  from  the  dynamo  and  if  they  go  out  the 
dynamo  is  at  fault. 

The  regulator  and  cut-out  may  be  tested  by 
connecting  a  wire  from  terminal  A  to  terminal 
B  while  tlie  engine  runs  at  a  speed  which  would 
correspond  to  a  car  speed  greater  than  10  miles 
per  hour.  Tf  the  indicator  then  shows  charge 
when  it  failed  to  show  this  before  the  test  the 
cut-out  or  reorulator  is  at  fault.    Tf  th6  indi- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  619 

cator  remains  straight  across  something  is  pre- 
venting the  dynamo  from  delivering  its  cur- 
rent. 

The  lighting  switch  is  of  the  rotary  snap  type 
and  carries  all  lamp  and  circuit  wires  on  the 
engine  side.  On  the  back  of  the  switch  are  four 
fuses  in  clips.  Near  the  fuses  are  letters  H,  S, 
R  and  B,  indicating  the  fuses  for  head,  side  or 
dimmer,  rear  and  tail,  ignition  and  horn  cir- 
cuits respectively. 


North  East  Motor-Dyaamo 


The  starting  motor  drives  into  a  flj-wheel  ring 
gear  or  crankshaft  through  sliding  reduction 
gearing  and  overrunning  clutch.  The  starting 
switch  pull  rod  operates  the  sliding  gear  through 


620  The  Automobile  Handbook 

a  coil  spring  so  that  switch  contacts  may  close 
whether  gears  are  in  position  to  mesh  or  not, 
the  first  turning  of  the  armature  causing  the 
gears  to  snap  into  mesh  under  the  action  of  the 
compressed  spring.  One  side  of  the  starting 
switch  may  be  grounded  or  the  lead  from  the 
positive  motor  brush  may  be  grounded.  In 
either  case  two  wires  lead  to  switch  and  start- 
ing motor. 

Nortii  East  Equipment.  This  starting  and 
lighting  system  makes  use  of  a  combined  motor- 
dynamo  having  two  field  windings,  a  shunt  and 
series.  The  series  field  is  used  for  starting  and 
the  two  fields  compound  for  generating.  One 
of  these  units  is  shown  in  Fig.  293. 

The  brushes  and  commutator  may  be  exposed 
by  removing  a  cover  from  the  .end  opposite  the 
drive.  The  upper  part  of  this  cover,  which  en- 
closes the  brushes,  is  held  in  place  by  spring 
clips,  but  the  lower  half  is  fastened  with  bolts 
that  are  sealed  at  the  factory.  This  lower  half 
encloses  a  combined  cut-out  and  regulator.  The 
cut-out  is  of  the  electromagnetic  type  and  serves 
to  connect  the  dynamo  with  the  battery  when 
the  generating  voltage  is  sufficiently  high  to 
make  charging  possible,  also  to  disconnect  the 
])attery  when  the  dynamo  voltage  falls  below 
that  of  the  battery. 

The  regulator  is  of  the  vibrating  reed  type, 
having  two  sets  of  contacts  operated  from  one 
electromagnet.  The  current  output  of  the  dy- 
namo passes  through  the  winding  of  the  rega- 


The  Automobile  Handbook  621 

lator  electromagnet  and  causes  the  contact  to 
open  when  the  amperage  has  reached  a  certain 
predetermined  limit.  With  the  contacts  open, 
the  field  current,  which  has  previously  passed 
through  the  contacts,  must  flow  through  two 
spools  of  resistance  wire.  The  consequent  re- 
duction in  field  current  prevents  further  rise  in 
output. 

North  East  (equipment  is  of  the  two  volt- 
age type,  the  starting  voltage  being  either  12, 
16  or  24,  while  lighting  and  charging  is  ac- 
complished at  6,  8  or  12  volts.  Starting  and 
charging  circuits  are  of  the  two  wire  type, 
while  lighting  circuits  may  be  either  one  wire 
with  ground  return  or  two  wire  throughout. 
A  field  fuse  is  carried  in  the  brush  and  com- 
mutator compartment  of  the  motor-dynamo, 
this  fuse  blowing  out  should  the  battery  or 
charging  lines  become  disconnected  while  the 
motor-dynamo  is  operating. 

The  -unit  is  driven  from  the  engine  and 
drives  to  the  engine  through  a  silent  chain, 
with  or  without  spur  gear  reduction. 

Remj  Equipment.  Remy  apparatus  con- 
sists of  a  variety  of  types,  each  one  suited  to 
th^  particular  requirements  of  the  cars  to 
which  it  is  applied.  A  complete  internal  cir- 
cuit diagram  of  one  of  the  separate  unit  sys- 
tems with  separately  mounted  regulator  and 
cut-out  is  shown  in  Fig.  295. 

Remy  equipment  may  be  made  up  of  all 
separate  units  for  lighting,  starting  and  igni- 


[>22  TliP  Automobile  Handbook 

tioii,  with  or  without  Remy  magneto  or  battery 
ignition.  The  separate  unit  systems  all  maki' 
use  of  a  sliiint  wound  ilyiiaiiio  of  6  volt  mit- 
put.  The  separate  motors.  Fig.  294,  are  of  t'lnir 
jKih',  series  wound  type  and  operate  on  6  volts. 
A  separal*^  dynamo  may  lie  driven  frimi  a 
filial't  to  the  tiTiiing  gear  ease  and  have  one  nl" 
the  separate  motors  mounted  ahove  it,  I'liriuiia: 


Fig.  294 
lieriiy  Starting  Motor  With    Bendix  Drive 


ilc>  .li'ck''  iiistniment.  The  dynaam 
two  pole  Kliunt  wound  and  the  motor 
(■  .series  wmind,  both  6  volts.  The 
'ives  down  to  the  main  shaft  through 
1)1'  spur  reduciion  Rears,  th«  Inrpe  gear 
Lain  di'Lve  sliaJ't  earrying  an  overrun- 
Ii'Il  wliieli  rujis  freo  while  the  startiu)! 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


623 


624  The  AiUomohile  Handbook 

Another  Remy  system  makes  use  of  a  motor 
dynamo  with  only  one  armature.  This  machine 
is  of  the  four  pole  type,  compound  wound  and 
operates  with  12  volts.  No  overrunning  clutch 
or  device  taking  its  place  is  used  with  the  sin- 
gle armature  motor  dynamos,  these  being  di- 
rect connected  in  all  cases. 

Reniy  dynamos  are  also  built  with  a  mag- 
neto type  breaker  mounted  on  one  end  of  the 
armature  shaft  with  a  magneto  distributer  car- 
I'ied  above  it,  thus  forming  a  combined  dyna- 
mo-ignition outfit.  The  dynamos  in  this  case 
arc  of  the  two  pole  shunt  wound  type  operating 
witli  6  volts.  These  machines  are  positively 
driven  at  engine  speed  in  four  cylinder  cars 
one  and  one-half  times  engine  speed  in  six  cylin- 
dc^r  cars  and  twice  engine  speed  in  eights.  A 
sei)arnte  6  volt  starting  motor  is  used  in  cou- 
ntM'tion. 

The  12  volt  motor-generators  (as  described) 
ai'c  nlso  built  with  the  ignition  breaker  and  dis- 
tributer added,  forming  a  single  unit  having: 
th('  functions  of  starting  motor,  dynamo  and 
ifrniter  in  one. 

AViring  for  lighting,  charging  and  starting 
circuits  may  bo  either  two  wire  or  one  wire 
witli  grounded  return.  Switches,  current  in- 
dicators, junction  boxes  and  dimmer  resistance 
units  varv  with  the  make  of  car. 

Regulation  of  the  amperage  is  accomplished 
in  cither  of  two  ways.  One  method  is  by  the 
third  brush  bcMug  below  one  of  the  main  brushes 


The  Automobile  Handbook  625 

on  the  left  side  facing  the  commutator.  This 
brash  takes  current  to  one  end  of  the  shunt 
field  winding,  the  amount  of  current  flowing 
through  this  brush  becoming  less  and  less  as 
the  speed  increases.  The  position  of  the  brush 
is  not  adjustable. 

The  other  method  of  regulation  consists  of  an 
electromagnet  carried  in  the  same  case  with 
the  cut-out  and  operating  to  insert  a  coil  of 
resistance  wire,  also  carried  in  this  case,  into 
the  shunt  field  circuit  as  the  amperage  rises. 

The  cut-out  is  of  the  electromagnetic  type 
with  two  windings,  shunt  and  series.  .The  cir- 
cuit should  close  in  the  neighborhood  of  ten 
miles  per  hour,  preferably  at  lower  speeds.  The 
cut-out  mechanism  or  combination .  of  cut-out 
and  regulator  may  be  mounted  on  the  dynamo 
housing  at  the  drive  end  over  the  armature 
shaft  or  as  a  separate  unit  on  the  dash  or  other 
convenient  location. 

The  current  output  should  be  about  7  am- 
peres at  8y2  to  12  miles  per  hour,  rising  to  a 
maximum  of  10  to  14  amperes,  depending  on 
the  installation. 

Starting  motor  drive  may  be  through  reduc- 
tion gearing  inside  the  housing  as  described 
for  the  double  deck  instruments;  or  by  chain 
with  overrunning  clutch  on  separate  motors 
but  without  the  clutch  on  motor-dynamos.  Sep- 
arate motors  also  use  the  Bendix  type  of  in- 
ertia pinion  drive. 


626  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Starting  switches  are  of  two  types,  both  mak- 
ing the  circuit  complete  without  preliminary 
contacts.  One  uses  the  conventional  type  of 
tapered  plunger,  the  other  uses  copper  bands 
sliding  on  two  cylinders,  the  cylinders  beings 
made  of  insulating  material  and  carrying  con- 
tact bands  in  such  a  position  that  the  sliding 
rings  complete  the  circuit  from  one  cylinder 
to  the  other  when  fully  depressed  into  position. 
Either  switch  may  act  by  push  or  pull  rods  or 
foot  buttons. 

Fuses  for  each  of  the  lighting  lines  are  car- 
ried in  the  lighting  switch.  A  20  or  25  ampere 
fuse  in  circuit  with  the  dynamo  field  is  mounted 
above  the  magnet  in  separate  cut-outs  or  on  the 
base  of  combined  regulators  and  cut-outs. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  627 

Rushmore  Equipment.  The  Rushmore  system 
was  originally  manufactured  by  the  Rushmore 
Dynamo  Works,  but  this  company  is  now  a  part 
of  the  Bosch  Magneto  Company,  and  the  prod- 
uct is  known  as  ''Bosch-Rushmore"  and 
** Bosch/'  The  several  unique  features  found 
in  this  equipment  are  described  on  the  follow- 
ing pages : 

The  Rushmore  Engine  Starter.  The  Rush- 
more  electric  starting  motor,  shown  in  Fig. 
296,  acts  directly  on  the  flywheel  without  in- 
termediate gears,  a  pinion  keyed  fast  on  the 
motor  shaft  meshing  with  a  gear  on  the  fly- 
wheel rim.  This  pinion  is  normally  out  of  en- 
gagement. The  closing  of  the  starting  switch 
causes  the  pinion  automatically  to  engage  the 
flywheel  gear  before  the  armature  starts  rotat- 
ing. As  soon  as  the  engine  picks  up,  the  pinion 
automatically  slides  out  of  mesh,  and  remains 
out  no  matter  how  long  the  starting  switch  is 
held  closed.  There  is  no  mechanism  except  the 
starting  motor  itself  and  the  starting  switch. 

When  the  starter  is  not  in  use  the  armature 
is  held  normally  out  of  line  endwise  with  the 
pole  pieces  by  means  of  a  compression  spring 
contained  in  and  acting  against  the  hollow 
armature  shaft.  Magnetic  pull  is  employed  to 
engage  the  pinion.  The  foot  button  starting 
switch  has  three  contacts.  At  the  first  pres- 
sure upon  the  button  the  armature  is  drawn 
into  the  field  with  great  force  while  rotating 
slowly  so  that  the  pinion  teeth  will  engage. 
After  the  gears  are  fully  engaged  the  thirr* 


628  The  AuiomobUe  Handbook 

contact  applies  the  full  force  of  the  battery  to 
turn  over  the  engine. 

The  motor  is  series  wound  and  produces  a 
stronfi  torque  on  startinfj.    As  soon  as  tlie  en- 


<:iiii'  |>i<-l;s  up.  Ihc  a  ci- eh 'rated  speed  causes  the 
eoiinliT  I'Ici'tni-iiKilivc  t'circo  in  the  motor  to 
ri'dui'c  Ihr  I'liiTrnt  How  ti»  a  value  too  small  to 
hol.l  Du-  aniititiiiT  in  line  with  the  pole  pieces 
ayninst  tlic  end  pressure  of  tlie  spring.     The 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


629 


pinion  thien  slips  out  of  mesh  and  remains  out, 
even  with  the  circuit  closed,  because  the  cur- 
rent required  to  run  the  motor  free  is  too  small 
to  overcome  the  spring.  The  armature  will 
not  again  move  endwise  into  its  working  posi- 
tion until  it  has  stopped  and  the  switch  is 
again  closed.  The  turning  force  developed  at 
the  flywheel  rim  is  rated  at  over  400  lbs.,  suffi- 


LAMPS 

— O— 


o 


STOR&GE  BATTERY 


IRON 

BALLAST 

COIL 


Fig.  297 — Diagram  of  Rushmore  Lighting  System. 


eient  to  start  the  largest  engine  with  ease.    The 
motor  is  wound  for  a  6-volt  battery. 

Rushmore  Lighting  System.  Essential  ele- 
ments of  this  system  are:  1,  the  dynamo; 
2,  storage  battery,  6-volt,  of  80  to  160  ampere 
hours  capacity,  depending  upon  size  of  the 
headlights;   3,   switch   and  terminal  block   on 


630  The  Automobile  Handbook 

dashboard,  which  simultaneously  switches  the 
headlights  on  or  off  and  switches  the  ballast 
coil  in  or  out  of  circuit;  4,  wiring  and  circuit 
switches  for  small  lamps. 

Briefly  the  action  of  the  dynamo  is  to  reduce 
the  strength  of  the  field  magnet  at  high  speeds 
by  means  of  counter  excitation  produced  by  a 
few  turns  of  magnet  wire,  called  a  **  bucking 
coil,'^  on  the  field  poles.  The  amount  of  cur- 
rent passing  through  this  bucking  coil  is  deter- 
mined automatically  by  the  varying  resistance 
of  a  small  coil  of  iron  wire,  called  the  ''ballast 
eoil/'  which  is  made  in  the  form  of  a  cartridere 
fus(^  and  carried  in  clips  on  the  switchblock  in 
tlie  main  line  l)etween  the  dynamo  and  the  bat- 
tery. See  Fig.  297.  The  effect  of  controlling 
the  bucking  coil  by  the  current  output  is  to  pro- 
duet^  an  approximately  constant  current  at  the 
hijrht'r  s]>eeds. 

Simms-Hufif  Equipment.  This  apparatus 
as  jreiierally  mounted  consists  of  a  combined 
dy iic'i mo  and  motor  with  separate  magneto  ig- 
nition. One  wire  system  with  a  grounded  re- 
turn for  all  eireuits  is  used. 

Tile  motor  dynamo  is  of  the  six  pole  type 
and  has  a  din*en»ntial  compound  winding.  It 
p'nenites  6  volts  as  a  dynamo  and  operates  with 
12  volts  as  a  motor.  The  drive  for  dynamo 
])nr poses  is  by  belt  from  the  fan  pulley  and 
enmkslinft.  '\Vh(Mi  operated  as  a  motor  the 
rnirajremeiit  is  through  a  pinion  which  slides 
on  a  counter  shaft  between  the  armature  shaft 


The  Automobile  Handbook  631 

and  flywheel  ring  gear  and  completes  the  me- 
chanical connection. 

The  starting  switch  which  makes  the  necessary 
changes  in  connections  for  charging  or  start- 
ing is  located  on  the  transmission  case  and  the 
operating  parts  also  act  to  slide  the  gears  into 
mesh  through  the  action  of  a  stiff  coil  spring. 
Should  the  gears  not  match  exactly,  the  spring 
compresses  and  allows  the  switch  to  close  when 
the  first  movement  of  the  armature  under  the 


Fig.    298 

Simma-HufE  Motor  Dynamo 

Starting  eiirrent  brings  the  gears  into  position 

and  the  compressed  spring  forces  them  into  full 

engagement. 

Regulation  of  output  is  maintained  at  a  suf- 
ficiently high  value  (15  amperes  maximum)  by 
adjusting  the  tension  of  the  driving  belt.  Ex- 
eess-output  is  prevented  by  the  differential  ac- 


632  The  Automobile  Handbook 

tioii  of  the  reversed  series  field  winding  and 
by  a  separate  regulator  having  an  electromag- 
net wiiich  acts  to  insert  resistance  in  tlie  shunt 
fii'lcl  winding  with  rise  of  amperage.  This 
ckH'troniagnet  regulator  is  carried  in  a  housing 
with  the  cut-out.  The  output  is  adjustable  by 
(•hanging  tlie  tension  of  the  flat  spring. 

The  cut-out  is  of  the  electromagnetic  type 
having  two  windings  and  the  time  of  opening 
and  closing  is  adjustable  by  a  small  screw. 

Two  6  volt,  35  ampere  hour  batteries  are 
carried  in  one  box  under  the  front  seat,  being 
connected  in  series  for  starting  and  parallel 
lor  lighting  and  charging.  A  combined  light- 
ing and  ignition  switch  is  carried;  inserting 
the   plug  turns  ignition  on. 

Headlight  dimming  resistance  is  carried  on 
the  engine  side  of  the  switch  and  an  ammeter 
switch  and  an  ammeter  is  mounted  on  the  dash. 

Splitdorf-Apelco  Equipment.  The  eleetri- 
cmI  unit  lor  these  equipments  is  shown  in  Fig. 
2!Mi,  ;nid  its  connections  with  the  balance  of 
tile  ii  pp.!  rat  us  is  shown  in  the  wiring  diagram, 
1^'ijr.  ■{<>'>.  The  wiring  shown  applies  to  the 
c'liiipiiieiit  operating  at  12  volts  for  starting 
iiiid  «l  volts  Um'  charging  and  lighting. 

These  systrnis  Use  a  combined  motor  dynamo 
whii  li  iiijiy  jdso  enrry  an  ignition  breaker  and 
(li>irihuioi'  on  n  separate  vertical  head  driven 
tVojii  one  end  of  the  motor  dynamo  unit.  The 
system  is  therefore  of  one  or  two  unit  type, 
jio    sej)arate    starting    motors   being    used.      A 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


633 


dynamo  which  does  not  act  as  a  starting  motor 
is  used  on  the  Stanley  steam  car.  All  gas  cars 
use  motor  djiiamos. 

The  unit  has  four  poles,  three  windings  on  the 
£elds.     One  coil  is  ordinary  shunt  and  acts  as 


Fig.  29 » 
Splitdorf-Apelco  Motor-Dynamo 


a  shunt  in  both  generating  and  starting.  The 
output  is  controlled  by  a  separate  bucking 
coil  through  which  all  current  from  the  dynamo 
passes,  this  opposing  the  shunt  more  and  more 
as  the  speed,  voltage  and  amperage  increase. 
The  third  coil  is  a  series  winding  for  starting 


634  The  Automobile  Jiandhook 

motor  action,  though  it  also  assists  the  shunt 
while  generating,  making  a  compound  dynamo 
with  bucking  coil  and  a  compound  motor. 


Two  voltagi;  cninljinations  are  used.  One 
charges  tJie  liattery  and  starts  on  12  volts,  us- 
ing a  six  cell  hattcrj-  with  all  cells  in  aeries  for 


The  Automobile  Handbook  635 

charging,  starting  and  lighting.  This  is  called 
the  straight  twelve  system. 

The  other  system  uses  a  six  cell  battery  di- 
vided in  two  sections  of  three  cells  each  and  is 
charged  with  the  two  parts  in  parallel  at  6 
volts.  This  system  uses  all  cells  in  series  with 
12  volts  for  starting  while  lighting  is  from  the 
parallel  connections,  thus  giving  6  volt  charging 
and  lighting  and  12  volt  starting,  the  proper 
connections  and  changes  being  made  in  the 
starting  switch.  This  is  the  twelve-six  volt 
system. 

Both  types  use  separate  electromagnetic  cut- 
outs mounted  on  the  dash  in  all  cases.  The 
cut-out  carries  two  windings.  The  movable  arm 
carries  a  marker  which  shows  the  word  OFF 
on  a  dial  whenever  the  contacts  are  open  and 
the  word'  ON  whenever  the  contacts  are  closed. 
ON  simply  indicates  that  the  current  is  flow- 
ing from  the  dynamo,  but  according  to  the 
number  of  lamps  turned  on  it  may  be  going 
to  the  battery  or  to  the  lamps  or  may  be  divid- 
ing between  them.  The  engine  speed  at  which 
the  cut-out  opens  and  closes  may  be  changed  by 
a  small  screw  passing  through  the  cut-out 
spring.  This  screw  may  be  turned  to  either 
lessen  or  increase  the  spring  tension,  thus  low- 
ering the  cut-in  speed  or  raising  it  accordingly. 

The  dynamo  without  starter  action  is  a  four 
pole  shunt  wound  machine  operating  at  6  volts. 
Regulation  is  with  a  third  brush  which  carries 
all  the  current  flowing  to  the  shunt  field. 


636  The  Automobile  Handbook 

U.  S.  L.  Equipment.  Two  distinctly  differon* 
type's  of  eciuipment  have  been  marketed  by  tli- 
rnited  States  Light  and  Heating  Company.  Tli- 
first  type,  which  is  described  first,  was  used  u]i 
to  and  including  part  of  the  year  101  o.  This 
typ(*  comprises  a  motor-dynamo  mounted  on  th«* 
engine  crankshaft  with  the  controlling  eh*- 
ments,  cut  out  and  regulator,  carried  in  a  hous- 
ing on  the  driver's  side  of  the  dash  board. 

Tlie  type  referred  to  above  is  known  as  the 
''external  regulator"  type,  while  the  newrr 
system  is  the  "inherently  regulated"  type.  This 
jiewer  system  makes  use  of  a  cut  out  on  the 
<l«Msh,  but  secures  regulation  of  current  output 
l)y  alh)wi]ig  the  dynamo  current,  when  exees- 
si\'e,  1()  react  on  part  of  the  field,  and  by  redue- 
inir  llie  field  magnetism  in  proportion  to  the 
spee(l  and  output,  a  proper  rate  of  dynamo 
charge  is  maintained. 

[■.  S.  L.  Electric  Motor  Generator.  In  the 
system  emj)l()yed  by  the  United  States  Light 
cV:  Heating  Co.,  with  which  many  automobiles 
ai'e  now  e<juipp(»d,  an  electric  motor  generator 
is  an  integral  part  of  the  gasoline  motor  ami 
furnishes  currc^nt  for  starting  and  lighting. 
The  syst(Mn  includes,  besides  the  motor  gen- 
eratoi-.  an  automatic  current  regulator,  an  oil 
switch  and  a  storage  battery. 

The  motor  gcMierator  comprises  a  set  of  field 
coils,  armature  and  commutator  and  brush 
rinu.  Thes(^  ])arts  replace  the  flywheel  of  the 
gasoline  motor,  l)eing  attached  to  the   crank- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


637 


shaft  in  its  stead.     They  are  inclosed  in  an 
aluminum  case  and  dust  ring. 

When  a  starting  button  is  pressed  down,  the 
current   from   the   storage   battery   starts  the 


irWMB|_          H^ 

motor  generator.  This  revolves  the  crankshaft 
of  the  gasoline  motor.  "With  the  switch  of  the 
■gnition  coil  in  either  magneto  or  battery  posi- 
tion, the  gasoline  explosions  commence.  The 
foot  starting  button  is  then  released,  when  the 


038  The  Automobile  Handbook 


The  Automobile  Handbook  639 

electric  motor  automatically  changes  into  an 
electric  generator.  As  the  speed  of  the  gaso- 
line motor  increases,  the  generator  gradually 
begins  charging  the  battery,  restoring  the  cur- 
rent discharged  during  the  starting  operation. 

An  automatic  regulator,  controlling  the  cur- 
rent to  the  battery,  is  located  in  the  center  of 
the  dash.  It  has  a  charging  indicator,  the  func- 
tion of  which  is  to  show  that  the  circuit  is 
closed  at  the  proper  time,  or  at  a  speed  of  12  to 
14  miles  an  hour,  and  that  the  circuit  is  open 
when  the  car  speed  drops  below  about  10  miles 
an  hour  or  the  motor  stops  altogether.  The 
regulator  consists  of  a  compound-wound  mag- 
net and  a  variable  resistance  with  magnet  bar 
and  contacts  for  controlling  field  current  in 
the  generator. 

The  oil  switch  is  included  in  this  system  to 
change  the  electric  motor  into  an  electric  gen- 
erator upon  the  release  of  the  starting  button. 

The  type  of  U.  S.  L.  equipment  in  most  gen- 
eral use  at  present  does  not  use  the  externally 
mounted  combined  cut-out  and  regulator  but 
secures  regulation  of  the  output  as  a  dynamo 
by  means  of  a  third  brush  system  in  which  the 
flow  of  current  through  one  of  the  field  cir- 
cuits depends  on  the  current  flowing  into  one 
of  the  brushes.  The  system  is  known  as  **  In- 
herently Regulated.''  An  electromagnetic  cut- 
out is  mounted  on  the  dash  of  the  car  and 
serves  the  purpose  of  connecting  the  dynamo 
and  battery  when  the  dynamo  voltage  is  suffi- 


640  The  Automobile  Handbook 

cient  for  charging.  The  complete  internal  con- 
nections for  this  type  of  application  are  sho\M3 
in  Fig.  303. 

Above  the  cut-out  are  carried  two  fuses,  cue 
of  six  empere  capacity  and  one  of  30  ampere. 
The  six  ampere  fuse  is  in  the  field  circuit  and 
will  blow  out  should  the  battery  lines  become 
disconnected  with  the  dynamo  operating.  The 
thirty  ampere  fuse  is  in  the  main  charging  cir- 
cuit. 

The  touring  switch  used  with  U.  S.  L.  equip- 
in  en  t  may  be  opened  when  the  car  is  used  on 
l()]ig  daylight  runs,  and  by  thus  opening  the 
field  and  charging  circuit  of  the  motor-dynamo, 
excessive  battery  charge  is  prevented.  The 
two  lamp  combinations  in  use  with  this  type 
aie  shown  in  Fig.  303;  one  of  these  being  a 
tiiree  wire  system  with  7  volt  lamps,  and  the 
other  being  the  usual  two  wire  system  with 
14  volt  lain])s.  Tn  either  case,  starting  is  ae- 
coniplislied  with  24  volts  and  charging  at  12 
volts,  the  proper  changes;  in  connections  be- 
in^  made  in  the  starting  switch. 

The  relative  location  of  the  parts  of  a  V. 
S.  L.  system  having  inherent  regulation  and  12 
volt  ])ressiire  for  all  functions  is  shown  in 
Fiir.  304. 

Wagner  Equipment.  Wagner  apparatus 
inny  consist  of  a  eomlnned  motor-dynamo  with 
cut -out  and  starting  switch  mounted  on  the 
unit,  or  of  separate  motors  and  dynamos  with 
a  cut-out  on  the  dynamo  or  mounted  separately. 


The  AutomoiUe  Handbook 


ea. 


^M8-, 


Itod 


Sid« 


Tail 


B3-I-I|l    I    I    l|l     B2- 
Banery 


Bl-i- 


HI- 


B2+ 


u 


Battery 


liwimh 


Head 


Side 


Tail 


Hm4 


Side 


DMh 


14' Volt  Lamp* 


7-Voit  Lamp* 


NC_y 


Staniat 
Switck 


Fig.  303 

nternal  Connections  of  U.   S.  L.   24-12  Volt  In- 
herently Regulated  Motor-Dynamo  System. 


642  The  Automobile  Handbook 

The  motor-dynamo  is  a  compound  wound  iiia- 
eliine  using  the  series  fields  for  starting.  The 
output  is  controlled  by  taking  the  shunt  lielJ 
current  through  a  'Hhird  brush"  which  is  so 
placed  that  excessive  amperage  is  prevented  at 
liigh  engine  speeds. 

On  top  of  the  unit  is  a  housing  in  which  is 
an  electromagnetic  cut-out  and  also  a  rotary 
drum  starting  and  charging  switch.  This 
switch  makes  such  connections  that  starting  is 
accomplished  with  12  volts  pressure  by  ar- 
ranging all  battery  cells  in  series,  while  charg- 
ing and  lighting  are  at  6  volts  with  the  two 
battery  sections  in  parallel. 

The  motor-dynamo  is  driven  from  the  engine 
l)y  means  of  a  chain  to  the  front  end  of  the 
crankshaft  and  is  driven  from  the  engine  by 
this  same  chain.  The  necessary  gear  reduction 
I'oi-  starting  is  secured  through  a  planetary  form 
of  ^^earing  carried  in  a  housing  ahead  of  the 
unit,  this  gearing  being  brought  into  play  by 
a  l)rake  band  that  is  tightened  by  the  same 
<)[)erati()n  with  which  the  driver  moves  the 
rot  a  i-y  switcli  to  the  starting  position. 

If  the  dynamo,  motor  and  ignition  are  all 
separate,  tlu*  dynamo  is  shunt  wound.  Four 
hrushrs  bear  on  the  commutator,  two  receiving 
the  main  charging  current.  The  other  two 
biMishes  are  slightly  nearer  together.  The  sec- 
ond pair  of-  ])rnslies  carries  the  current  to  the 
slnnit  field  and  because  of  their  location  with 
i-e Terence  to  each  other  act  to  decrease  the  cur- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


rent  flowing  to  the  fleld  at  high  speeds  because 
of  the  distortion  of  the  path  of  the  magnetism 


Fig.  304 
Arrangement  of  Parts  In  U.  S.  "L.  Motor-Dynamo 

System 
between  the  field  poles.     This  regulation  action 
prevents  excessive  charging  rates  at  high  speeds 


644 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ami  oaiisf'R  the  output  to  be  slightly  decreased 
at  thcHu  speeds.  The  action  of  this  form  of 
reguhition  is  also  to  increase  the  output  with 
tint  ineivase  in  hattery  voltage  so  that  the  How 
is  greater  to  a  battery  when  nearly  charged 
than   when   nearly   empty. 


mim 


Fls.   305 

Wafjner 

Rtnrtinp; 

Motor  AVith  Gear  Reduction 

l- 

ami 

M,    Brush 

Holders 

Tlir  si  a 

'Hi 

L'  m 

lor,  FifT. 

'iOr>.  drives  through 

"I'll''   t-'i 

II' 

n'>]ii 

'lion   inid 

chaiu  to  tlie  front 

li   u\-  11, 

Milks 

lai'l.     An 

overrunning  clutch 

liinll 

il< 

IIm' 

s]>roi-krt 

on   the   crankshaft. 

I.'    St M 3-1 

iijr 

swil 

li  mak.-s 

till'  circuit  complete 

til. .Ill    ; 

ly 

].n.l 

iiinary  resistance,  the  clutch 

MviiiinfT 

t'h 

I'UK 

igement. 

The  Automohile  Handbook  645 

Westinghouse  Equipment.  Three  distinct 
types  of  Westinghouse  apparatus  are  in  use. 
The  first,  and  oldest,  type  makes  use  of  a  sep- 
arate dynamo  securing  output  regulation  by 
means  of  a  bucking  coil  field  as  described  in 
the  following  pages,  and  having  an  electromag- 
netic cut-out  mounted  on  the  dynamo.  Another 
type  includes  a  separately  mounted  dynamo 
having  a  vibrating  reed  voltage  regulator  and 
an  electromagnetic  cut-out  mounted  on  the 
dash  board  or  inside  of  the  dynamo  housing. 
The  third  type  consists  of  a  combined  motor* 
dynamo  having  third  brush  regulation. 

In  generating  current  the  machine  acts  as 
a  shunt  wound  dynamo,  the  reversed  series 
coil  acting  to  regulate  the  amperage  in  a  way 
peculiar  to  these  systems.  One  end  of  the  re- 
versed series  coil  is  connected  to  one  of  the 
dynamo  brushes  in  such  a  way  that  current 
flowing  into  the  battery  for  charging  passes 
through  this  coil  and  by  opposing  the  shunt 
winding  keeps  the  amperage  down  to  a  proper 
point.  The  line  which  leads  to  the  lamps  from 
both  battery  and  dynamo  is  attached  to  a  lead 
from  the  differential  winding  in  such  a  way 
that  current  from  the  dynamo  to  the  lamps 
does  not  pass  through  the  bucking  coil.  That 
means  that  the  amount  of  current  which  flows 
through  the  bucking  coil  with  the  lamps  off 
is  the  entire  amount  from  the  dynamo  going  to 
the  battery,  but  as  soon  as  the  lamps  are  turned 
on  a  part  of  this  current  passes  to  the  lighting 


646  The  Automobile  Handbook 

lines  and  no  longer  goes  through  the  bucking 
coil.  The  reduced  flow  through  the  bucking 
coil  with  lamps  on  allows  the  shunt  field  to 
exert  its  effect  without  so  much  opposition  and 
the  output  accordingly  rises  to  care  for  the 
additional  lamp  load.  Should  enough  lamps  be 
turned  on  to  take  the  entire  dynamo  current, 
none  will  be  left  to  the  bucking  coil  and  the 
dvnamo  will  act  as  a  shunt  machine   without 

« 

opposition  and  give  the  fullest  current  flow 
of  which  it  is  capable  under  these  conditions. 
Sliould  still  more  lamps  be  turned  on  the  ad- 
ditional current  will  flow  to  the  lamp  lines 
from  the  battery  through  the  differential  wind- 


WESTINGHOUSE  I  WESTINGHOUSE    I 

Ope/)  '  c/ased  ' 

Fig.  306 

AVostinghoiise  Cut-out  Used  With  Inherently  Reg- 
ulated Dynamos 

inir.  hut  in  an  o])posite  direction  from  which  it 
p;iss<'(l  ill  huckiiig  the  shunt  action  and  will 
i1h'I(  fori'  S(MV('  as  an  additional  series  winding 
assist iiij^:  the  shunt  and  the  machine  is  there- 
fore (•oui])oun(l  under  these  conditions  and  the 
outpui   is  still   furtlu^r  increased. 

All  (lynanios  of  tliis  type  carry  an  electro- 
iiia<zn('ti('  cut-out.  Fig.  306,  on  the  dynamo  hous- 
ing at  the  drive  end  just  above  the  shaft,  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  647 

magnet  carrying  two  windings  bb  is  the  usual 
practice.  This  cut-out  should  close  «t  abdut 
8  miles  per  hour  and  re-open  at  about  6  miles 
per  hour.  It  has  no  means  of  regulating  the 
time  of  opening  and  closing.  The  wiring  for 
this  system  is  shown  in  Fig.  307. 

• 

The  dynamo  having  voltage  regulation  is 
of  the  shunt  wound  type  and  the  regulator  acts 
to  insert  a  resistance  in  the  field  when  the 
terminal  voltage  rises  to  the  predetermined 
limit.  The  operating  parts  of  the  combined  cut- 
out and  regulator  are  shown  with  the  cut-out 
open  in  Fig.  308,  and  with  the  cut-out  closed 
in  Fig.  309.  The  complete  internal  connections 
of  the  voltage  control  dynamo  with  self  con- 
tained regulator  and  cut-out  are  shown  in  Fig. 
310. 

Whien  the  dynamo  is  being  operated  at  a 
speed  below  the  predetermined  ** cut-in  speed", 
the  contacts  of  the  cut-out  armature  are  open, 
the  voltage  of  the  dynamo  being  below  that  of 
the  battery.  "When  the  speed  reaches  the  **cut- 
,  in  speed"  these  contacts  are  closed,  connecting 
the  dynamo  circuit  to  the  battery  circuit.  The 
** cut-in  speed"  varies  from  five  to  ten  miles 
per  hour  on  high  gear,  depending  upon  the 
gear  ratio  and  wheel  diameter  of  the  particular 
car. 

The  ''cut-in  speed"  can  be  observed  by  run- 
ning the  car,  allowing  it  to  increase  in  speed 


6^ 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


slowly,  and  observing  on  the  speedometer  the 
speed  at  which  the  car  is  running  when  the 
cut-out  contacts  close,  which  is  indicated  by  a 
slight  movement  of  the  meter  needle. 


"'SfiJiai'&liiirC'Siii'"  ' 

Fig.  307 

Wiring   of    WesttnghouBe    Ignition    and    Lighting 

System,   Inherently  Regulated 


Optn  citita 

Fig.  308  Figc.  309 

Westinghouse  Voltage  Westinghouse  Voltage 

Controller,    Cut-out   Open  Controller,  Cut-out  Closed 


The  regulator  is  so  constructed  that  the  cut- 
out operates  to  disconnect  the  dynamo  from  the 
battery  circuit  at  a  speed  slightly  below  the 
"cuWn  speed".     This  enables  the  cut-out  to 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


649 


5ep  the  circuit  closed,  and  not  constantly  open 
'  close  it  when  the  car  is  being  run  at  speeds 


Htgulaling  Contceh 


To  B'atttry.  B' , 


fK^ 


Voltage  Regulating  Screw 


Cutout  Armatuit^^^^^ 


ftegulat'mg  Resistor. 


l^/y/W'^/A 


Xutout    . 
Contacts 


Series  Compensating  Coil 


^ 


Shunt  Compen' 
sating  Coif-^ 


^  Coil 


Regulator' Shunt  Coil  f" 
generator  Shunt  Field 


»A^-| 


Commutator- 


Brushes' 


\ 


^ 


Fig.   310 

ternal    Connections    of   Westinghouse    Self-Con- 
tained  Voltage  Control  Dynamo 

)se   to   '* cut-in   speed".      This   disconnecting 
the  dynamo  from  the  battery  circuit  when 


650  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  dynamo  voltage  is  below  the  battery  volt- 
age insures  that  the  battery  will  not  be  dis- 
charged through  the  generator. 

The  shunt  fields  of  the  dynamo  are  so  de- 
signed that  a  voltage  in  excess  of  the  normal 
voltage  would  be  regularly  generated  when -the 
dynamo  is  operated  at  high  speed  and  no  load. 
This  excess  voltage  is  prevented  and  the  volt- 
age is  held  constant  by  the  automatic  voltage 
regulator.  When  the  dynamo  is  operating  be- 
low ''cut-in  speed"  the  contacts  of  this  regu- 
lator are  closed,  and  remain  closed  until  the 
armature  is  revolved  at  a  speed  which  gener- 
ates a  voltage  in  excess  of  a  predetermined 
value.  This  voltage  is  fixed  by  the  setting  of 
the  voltage  regulating  screw  which  is  adjusted 
at  the  factory.  When,  due  to  the  increased 
speed  of  the  dynamo,  the  voltage  tends  to  ex- 
ceed the  value  for  which  the  regulator  is  set, 
the  regulating  contacts  open,  opening  the  di- 
rect shunt-field  circuit  and  cutting  in  the  regu- 
lating resistance.  This  causes  a  momentary 
drop  in  voltage  so  that  the  contacts  close  again. 
This  opening  and  closing  of  the  contacts  is 
continuous,  and  so  rapid  as  to  be  impercepti- 
ble to  the  e}^. 

Dynamos  are  also  furnished  with  Ignition 
parts  carried  on  one  end  of  the  dynamo  frame, 
these  parts  consisting:  of  a  magneto  type 
breaker  whicli  automatically  advances  the  spark 
by  a  pair  of  governor  weights  acting  as  the 
break(»r  cams  and  a  distributor  mounted  above 


The  Automobile  Handbook  651 

the  breaker.  Otherwise  the  unit  is  the  same  as 
the  dynamos  described. 

The  combined  motor  dynamos  are  four  pole 
compound  wound  machines  operating  with  12 
volts,  while  the  electromagnetic  cut-out  may  or 
may  not  be  employed.  When  the  cut-out  is 
used  it  is  carried  as  a  separate  unit.  These 
maphines  drive  to  the  crankshaft  direct  through 
chains  or  gears  without  the  use  of  overrun- 
ning clutches. 

Almost  all  Westinghouse  installations  use  the 
single  wire  system  with  the  positive  side  of 
the  circuit  grounded  in  all  cases.  The  ground 
return  for  the  starting  motor  is  assisted  by  hav- 
ing the  cable  enclosed  in  copper  tubing  which 
is  attached  to  the  metal  work  of  the  car  and 
which  is  therefore  free  to  carry  the  current  to 
the  motor. 

The  lighting  switch  is  usually  of  the  push 
button  type.  All  circuits  are  fused,  the  cart- 
ridge fuses  being  carried  in  fuse  boxes  which 
provide  for  3,  4  or  5  circuits  in  addition  to  the 
line  to  the  battery.  The  fuse  for  head  and 
tail  lamps  should  be  15  ampere,  for  side  and 
tail  5  ampere,  for  tail  alone  3  ampere  and  for 
additional  circuits  such  as  the  horn  15  ampere. 
When  6  volt  bulbs  are  used  with  short  wiring 
one  of  the  fuses  is  replaced  with  a  coil  of  re- 
sistance wire  so  that  the  voltage  to  the  lamps 
with  short  connections  may  not  be  excessive. 
With  7  volt  bulbs  this  compensator  coil  is  un- 
necessary.     Head   lamps    may   be    dimmed   by 


G52  The  Automobile  Handbook 

throwing  them  in  series  or  by  arranging  a  re- 
stance  coil  in  one  lead  to  the  lamps.  Junc- 
tion boxes  are  used  to  centralize  the  connec- 
tions and  disconnector  blocks  are  used  for  al- 
lowing body  removal.  Either  an  ammeter  or 
voltmeter  may  be  used,  the  ammeter  being  con- 
iK'cted  on  one  of  the  battery  lines  to  the  lamps 
and  dynamo  in  the  usual  way  while  the  volt- 
meter is  directly  connected  to  the  two  sides  of 
the  battery,  indicating  the  voltage  at  all  times. 
The  current  drawn  by  the  voltmeter  is  so  small 
tliat  it  can  be  neglected  in  every  way. 

Separate  starting  motors  are  of  the  four  pole 
type,  scries  wound  with  the  field  coils  carried 
on  two  of  tlie  four  poles,  and  operate  with  6 
volt«. 

Stai'ting  motors  may  drive  the  engine  in  any 
of  five  different  ways.  One  system  drives  from 
a  ])iiiion  on  tlie  armature  shaft  to  a  larger  spur 
gear  on  a  counter  shaft,  this  larger  gear  hav- 
iiijr  an  ov(^rrunning  clutch  built  into  it. 
]\r()nnl(Ml  on  the  coimter  shaft  is  a  small  pin- 
ion whkli  is  free  to  slide  on  the  counter  shaft 
until  it  meshes  with  teeth  on  the  flywheel  rim. 
Tliis  slidiiit^  ])inion  is  moved  by  a  yoke  and  rods 
fi'om  tli('  foot  pedal,  these  operating  rods  also 
()]>(M'a1iiig  th(*  switch.  The  first  movement  of 
tli<'  ]KM]al  closes  the  circuit  through  preliminary 
contacts  and  resistance  ribbon,  causing  the 
stai'tin<2:  motor  to  whirl  with  little  power. 
Further  movement  of  the  pedal  breaks  this 
electrical  connection  but  leaves  the  motor  spin- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


653 


ning  while  the  movement  pulle  the  gears  in 
mesh.  After  the  gears  are  meshed  the  switch 
has  traveled  to  a  position  in  which  full  eon- 
taet  is  made  and  the  motor  turns  the  engine. 
Releasing  the  pedal  opens  the  switch  and  the 
gears  are  thrown  out  of  mesh  by  a  coil  spring 
in  the  gear  housing. 


Ittternal    Connections    of    WestlnghouBe    Masnetic 
Pioion  Shift  Starting  Motor  Drive 


Another  system  uses  the  same  arrangement 
of  gearing  between  armature  shaft  and  fly- 
wheel teeth  but  the  gear  meshing  and  closing 
of  the  switch  is  accomplished  by  solenoid  ac- 
tion in  place  of  by  foot  power.  Three  switches 
are  used,  Fig.  311,  one  being  a  push  button  on 
the  dash  marked  "start,"  another  being  a 
small  cylindrical  housing  through  which  the 
large  starting  cable  runs  and  to. which  the  wire 
from  the  dash  button  also  leads  and  the  third 
being  the  starting  switch  which  is  connected  to 
the  shifting  pinion  as  previously  described. 


654  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Pressing  the  dash  button  allows  current  to 
flow  from  the  battery  to  the  small  cylinder- 
shaped  switch  and  through  the  windings  of  a 
magnet  on  this  switch.  This  magnet  pulls  the 
contacts  closed  which  allow  the  battery  current 
to  pass  through  and  to  the  large  starting  switch. 
The  large  switch  contains  a  powerful  solenoid 
coil  through  which  the  current  then  flows  and 
out  through  a  small  auxiliary  wire  to  the 
ground.  The  solenoid  immediately  pulls  on 
a  plunger  which  is  attached  to  the  sliding  gear 
and  starting  switch  contacts  and  the  action  of 
closing  the  contacts  and  sliding  the  pinion  into 
mesh  is  done  by  the  pull  of  the  solenoid  in  the 
same  way  as  previously  described  for  the  foot 
])iitt()ii  action.  As  soon  as  the  engine  starts 
it  runs  the  dynamo  and  the  voltage  of  the 
dynamo  rises  to  a  point  equal  to  the  battery 
v()llag(\  This  balance  of  pressure  prevents  any 
more  current  from  flowing  through  the  switch 
()])erated  from  the  dash  button  and  the  main 
starting  eal)le  contacts  open  whether  the  dash 
button  is  released  or  not.  This  -kills  the  sole- 
noid action  and  all  parts  return  to  normal 
positions. 

The  starting  motor  may  also  drive  to  the 
crankshaft  through  gearing  or  chains  with 
ovcriMinning  clntch  in  which  case  the  starting 
switch  mak(\s  full  contact  in  the  first  position. 

Some  installations  drive  to  the  fly-wheel  by 
means  of  a  Bendix  type  of  application. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


655 


Steering  Qear— Principles  of.  In .  steering 
gears  the  generally  accepted  principle  is  that 
known  as  the  Ackermann-Jeantaud,  which  was 
invented  in  1878  and  is  a  modification  of  the 


Pig.  312 
Designing  Steering  Knuckle  Arms 
original  Ackermann  principle.  In  the  Acker- 
mann-Jeantaud system  the  steering  knuckle 
arms  OL  and  O^L,  when  produced,  meet  in  the 
plane  of  the  rear  axle  or  in  this  plane  produced 
as  shown  by  illustration,  Fig.  313.  The  reader 
will  appreciate  that  when  the  tie-rod  L  L  is  in 


65r. 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


roar  of  the  front  axle,  the  steering  knuckle 
arms,  OL  and  O'L  converge,  as  illustrated,  but 
Khould  the  tie-rod  be  in  front  of  the  axle,  these 
arms  diverge.  Strictly  speaking,  the  points  A 
and  AI,  which  are  supposed  to  be  in  the  aile 


v> 

t-T 

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11 

i 

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-^•^ 

t 

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\    I 

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\ 

K    \ 

ij 

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\ 

'-•-   \ 

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\ 

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\ 

\    *■ 

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z 

^ 

pliini',  are  not  sn.  and  the  axle  line  A,  AI,  is  » 
Inrifii'nt  to  tlio  curve  in  which  the  points  of  con- 
viTtrciicc  will  full  in  a  complete  sweep  of  the 
stfcring  wlieels  from  axle  to  axle. 


The  Automobile  Bandhook 


657 


It  will  be  realized  from  the  foregoing  ex- 
planation that  the  dimensions  and  proportions 
of  the  steering  axle  parts  depend  on  the  wheel- 
base  of  the  ear,  inasmuch  as  with  a  longer 
wheel  base  the  distance  that  the  lines  would  be 
produced  would  be  greater  with  the  increase. 


658  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Several  makers  have,  however,  discontinued 
the  design  of  steering  knuckles  on  this  princi- 
ple, preferring  to  design  them  as  illustrated  in 
Fig.  312,  in  which  the  produced  axis  of  the 
front  wheels,  A  and  B,  intersect  the  axis  of  the 
rear  wheel  at  a  given  point  0.  With  this  con- 
dition fulfilled,  the  vehicle  will  travel  around  0 
as  an  imaginary  center.  Enthusiasts  of  this 
method  of  construction  agree  that  the  Acker- 
mann-Jeantaud  principle  is  sufficiently  accu- 
rate for  angles  of  not  more  than  30  degrees,  but 
for  angles  varying  from  30  to  45  they  claim  less 
wear  on  their  tires  by  the  latter  construction. 
The  exact  arm  for  the  angles  in  a  steering  gear 
of  this  nature  will  depend  largely  on  the  wheel- 
base  of  the  car  as  well  as  the  difference  between 
the  steering  pivots  A  and  B. 

Steering  Gear — Types  of.  Fig.  314  shows  a 
sectional  view  of  the  nut  and  segment  type  of 
steering  gear,  in  which  there  is  a  worm  D  on  the 
steering  column  that  engages  with  the  nut  E. 
On  the  front  or  gear  face  of  the  nut  is  a  rack  F 
which  meshes  with  the  sector  G,  so  that  as  the 
steerino"  wlieol  is  turned  right  or  left  the  nut  is 
raised  or  lowered  and  the  requisite  movement 
im])ai'ted  to  the  radius  rod  H.  In  certain  screw 
and  nut  steering  gears  the  sector  is  not  required, 
the  constrnetion  ])eirig  a  screw  on  the  steering 
cohniui  on  wliieh  works  the  internally  threaded 
nut,  and  on  (Mther  side  of  this  nut  are  trunnions 
with  links  which  connect  with  the  axis  carrying 
the  radius  arm. 


The.  Automobile  Handbook 


659 


Steering  Gear — ^Lost  Motion  in.  If  the  gear 
of  the  worm  and  sector  type  it  may  be  that 
lese  two  elements  are  not  held  ia  the  proper 
ilation  to  each  other.  Fig.  315  shows  a  dia- 
."•am  of  this  type  of  gear,  and  illustrates  plainly 
le  point  where  lost  motion  wi|l  be  of  the  great- 
it  detriment.  When  the  wheel  is  turned,  if 
lere  is  the  slightest  end  play,  the  wheel  shaft 


Lost 
ToWop 


Fig.  315 

ill  respond,  but  the  geared  sector  will  not, 
ntil  all  the  end  play  is  taken  up,  and  as 
rains  come  on  from  the  road  wheels,  the  sec- 
)r  will  rotate  to  and  fro,  causing  the  shaft  of 
le  steering  wheel  to  reciprocate  and  thus  al- 
'W  the  road  wheels  to  wobble.  To  overcome 
ns  it  is  necessary  to  replace  the  thrust  washer, 
tnere  be  one,  and  if  necessary,  introduce  a 


(510  The  Automohile  Handbook 

washer,  made  of  phosphor  bronze,  of  suitabk 
thickness  to  take  up  all  the  end  play  of  the 
steer iiiii:  wheel  shaft. 

Some  lost  motion  will  follow  if  the  worm  is  | 
not  set  on  the  pitch  line,  in  its  proper  relation 
to  the  sector;  this 'will  be  true  if  the  bushings  ' 
arc  worn,  and  when  a  new  thrust  washer  is 
made  and  fitted  into  place,  if  the  lost  motion  is 
still  j^reater  than  is  desired,  the  only  thinp  re- 
maining^ is  to  replace  the  bearing  brasses.  When 
the  jrear  is  dissembled  it  will  be  possible  to  di- 
me* nsion  the  same,  and  determine  by  measure- 
ment if  there  is  any  great  amount  of  journal 
wear,  tlius  rendering  the  task  less  troublesome. 
since  the  brasses  may  be  replaced  without  wait- 
in*;'  to  determine  the  remaining  lost  motion 
llirou^li  actual  trial. 

As  a  rule,  it  will  be  found  that  the  lost  motiop 
is  due  to  end  play,  just  as  the  illustration  shows. 
cUkI  not  to  worn-out  journal  brasses  on  whieh 
th«'  wear  is  far  less  than  it  is  in  thrust.  If  the 
<:(';) r  is  irreversible,  or  nearly  so,  as  it  is  in  many 
niiloiiiobiles,  a  little  lost  motion  is  to  be  ex- 
pected owinj^'  to  the  smallness  of  the  angle  of 
the  worm,  which  can  only  be  irreversible  if  the 
anirl''  is  sucli  that  a  little  lost  motion  will  be 
present  and   unavoidable. 

Caki:  of  Stkkkixc;  (iEar.  The  steering  gear 
is  a  very  important  part  of  the  car,  and,  as  thn 
snt'ety  of  th(»  oc<'upants  may  be  endangered  by 
any  hindin^,  the  autoist  should  give  it  even 
inor<*    "ar<'t'ul    attention    than   the   other    parts. 


TJie  Aulomobilr  Handbook 


The  gear  should  be  taken  down,  given  a  thor-J 
ongh  cleanint;  and  examined  for  possible  j 


662  The  Automobile  Handbook 

In  case  the  steering  action  is  stiflf  and  tiie  T/fie^l 
turns  hard,  the  ball  joint  may  be  out  of  adjust- 
ment due  to  wear;  the  steering  link  may  be 
bent,  or  the  cause  may  be  insuflBcient  lubrica- 
tion. If  there  is  any  considerable  amount  of 
backlash,  the  cause  may  be  looked  for  in  the 
joints  of  the  levers,  in  the  swivel  pin,  or  iu 
loose  bearings. 

Tires,  Care  and  Repair.  Aside,  from  gaso- 
line the  greatest  expense  in  the  upkeep  of  a 
motor  car  is  the  tires,  and  much  of  the  present 
excessive  tire  wear  may  be  reduced  with  reason- 
able precaution  and  care.  There  are  ten  com- 
mon tire  diseases,  as  follows :  wheel  out  of  align- 
ment, linder-inflation,  use  of  anti-skid  chains, 
skidding,  running  wheels  in  car  tracks,  neglect 
of  casing  repairs,  tread  cuts,  running  in  ruts, 
stone  bruises,  use  of  inside  protectors  on  new 
tires. 

When  a  tire  is  on  a  wheel  which  is  out  of 
alignment  the  result  is  that  the  tire  is  scraped 
across  the  surface  of  the  road  and  the  resulting 
friction  causes  the  tire  tread  to  wear  rapidly. 
The  action  of  the  tire  on  the  road  is  crosswise 
at  the  same  time  that  the  tire  revolves  with  the 
wheel.  Thus  the  tire  receives  its  usual  wear 
pins  the  wear  due  to  the  scraping.  The  tread 
of  a  tire  which  has  been  run  on  a  wheel  out  of 
aliprnniPiit  presents  a  rough  appearance,  that 
whicli  would  bo  given  it  were  the  tire  held 
against  an  emery  wheel  for  a  while.  Sometimes 
tho  fabric  shows  in  places,  and  this  is  especially 


The  Automobile  Handbook  663 

true  of  wheels  which  are  wobbly.  It  is  advis- 
able to  line  up  the  wheels  of  a  motor  ear  about 
every  three  months,  and  if  one  is  found  which 
does  not  run  true,  the  condition  should  be  cor- 
rected immediately. 

Perhaps  as  much  harm  is  done  by  running  a 
tire  under-inflated  as  by  anything  else.  Under- 
inflation,  as  the  name  implies,  means  that  the 
tire  is  running  with  insuflBcient  air  pressure. 
Such  a  tire  appears  usually  with  a  series  of  hilly 
blisters  running  around  the  tread.  The  blisters 
are  caused  by  the  separation  of  the  fabric  from 
the  tread  due  to  the  excessive  heat  generated  in 
an  under-inflated  tire.  With  insufficient  air  the 
flexing  of  the  walls  of  the  tire  causes  heat  to 
be  generated  and  this  heat  acts  on  the  cement 
between  the  tread  and  fabric  and  in  a  short  time 
the  two  separate,  causing  a  blister  to  appear. 
Even  in  the  summer  a  tire  should  not  be  run 
under-inflated.  The  common  version  is,  that  if 
the  ordinary  pressure  is  80  pounds,  a  reduction 
of  possibly  ten  pounds  is  made  for  summer 
weather.  The  belief  is  that  the  heat  of  the  at- 
mosphere will  soon  raise  the  temperature  of  the 
air  in  the  tire  and  thus  cause  the  pressure  to  in- 
crease to  the  proper  point.  This  practice  is  not 
advisable,  as  there  is  undue  wear  on  the  tire 
while  the  pressure  is  being  increased  by  the  rise 
in  temperature,  and  also  because  the  pressure 
will  drop  as  soon  as  the  tire  cools.  The  cure 
for  under-inflation  need  hardly  be  stated.  Keep 
the  tires  inflated  to  the  pressure  specified  by 


664  The  Automobile  Handbook 

■ 

the  maker,  which  is  usually  20  pounds  per  inch 
of  cross-section.  Thus,  a  4-inch  tire  should  carry 
80  pounds  pressure.  It  matters  not  if  the  press- 
ure is  a  little  more,  but  it  does  if  the  pressure 
is  less  than  that  for  which  the  tire  is  designed. 
A  tire  guage,  such  as  is  sold  for  one  dollar, 
should  be  one  of  the  important  instruments  in 
the  motorist  *s  tool  kit. 

When  anti-skid  chains  are  applied  to  the  tire 
too  loosely  or  too  tightly,  the  result  sometimes 
is  a  cut  tread.  These  chains  should  be  placed 
on  the  tire  so  that  they  fit  snugly  and  then  no 
material  tire  wear  will  result. 

Running  a  wheel  in  car  tracks  may  soon  cause 
the  sides  of  the  tire  to  become  chafed,  and  in 
some  instances  the  wear  is  so  much  that  the 
tread  loosens  at  the  sides  and  begins  flopping 
around.  The  same  appearance  may  result  if 
the  car  is  driven  very  close  to  the  curb  and  the 
side  of  the  tire  made  to  scrape  the  stone. 

Little  cuts  in  the  casing  often  result  in  the 
casing  being  unfit  for  use  in  a  short  time.  When 
a  small  cut  appears  and  the  tire  is  operated, 
dirt  and  water  get  underneath  the  tread.  This 
dirt  works  its  way  around  the  tire  under  the 
tread  with  the  result  that  the  tire  is  soon  loose. 
Water,  as  everyone  knows,  is  detrimental  to  rub- 
ber, and  more  so  to  the  fabric.  Fabric  begins 
to  rot  in  the  presence  of  water.  The  small  cuts 
may  be  plugged  with  mastic. 

Often  a  cut  appears  in  the  tread  and  an  in- 
spection finds  that  the   fabric  is  injured  also. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  665 

In  such  an  instance  the  blowout  patch  is  the 
first  resort.  The  patch,  if  wrongly  applied, 
sometimes  becomes  wedged  in  the  fabric. cut  and 
in  this  way  hastens  a  blowout.  The  best  way 
to  treat  a  tire  with  a  reasonably  large  tread  cut 
is  to  have,  the  cut  vulcanized  immediately.  In 
fact,  even  small  cuts  should  be  vulcanized  at  the 
first  opportunity.  The  owner  may  say  that  the 
cost  of  having  the  tire  vulcanized  every  time  it 
is  cut  is  expensive.  It  may  seem  expensive  at 
first,  but  the  saving  in  tire  wear  and  repair  later 
overbalances  the  comparatively  small  cost  of 
vulcanization. 

In  the  fall  especially  country  roads  present  a 
mass  of  hardened  ruts  which  play  havoc  with 
tires.  These  hard  indentations  house  the  tire 
for  a  while  and  then  the  driver  will  go  over  the 
rut.  The  driving  in  and  out  of  these  ruts  ere* 
ates  a  condition  which  puts  a  tire  in  the  rut- 
worn  class.  The  sides  of  the  tread  begin  to  show 
rapid  wear  and  sometimes  the  wear  is  great 
enough  to  cause  a  weak  spot  in  the  tread,  with 
the  result  that  the  tire  blows  out. 

Stone  bruises  cause  a  great  percentage  of  tire 
failure.  "When  a  tire  runs  over  a  stone,  one  as 
big  a  man's  fist,  there  is  a  possibility  of  the 
fabric  becoming  broken.  A  broken  fabric  soon 
causes  a  blowout,  so  it  remains  for  the  driver 
to  prevent  as  far  possible  running  over  such 
stones.  Small  stones  sometimes  present  sharp 
edges  which  cut  the  tread  and  thus  make  an 
entrance  for  dirt  and  water.    Stone  bruises  are 


666  The  Automobile  Handbook 

hardly  visible  from  the  outside,  as  the  condition 
is  one  of  a  fabric  break,  as  mentioned  above. 
The  result  of  a  stone  bruise  may  be  seen  by  ex- 
amining  the  inside  of  the  casing,  which  will 
show  clearly  that  the  fabric  is  injured. 

Some  makers  state  that  the  use  of  .inside  pro- 
tectors on  new  tires  is  not  advisable,  as  these 
appliances  create  an  undue  amount  pf  heat  in 
the  tire  and  thus  hasten  wear.  For  old  tires  the 
inside  protector  is  perhaps  the  best  accessory 
marketed  for  lengthening  tire  life.  Some  own- 
ers have  obtained  as  much  mileage  with  old  tires 
and  inside  protectors  as  they  have  from  new 
tires  operated  without  protectors. 

Tire  Vulcanizing.  Absolute  cleanliness  is 
necessary  in  all  vulcanizing  work.  No  matter 
how  good  a  vulcanizer  you  have  or  what  kind 
of  repair  stock  you  use,  the  smallest  amount  of 
oil,  grease  or  dirt  will  greatly  impair  the  work. 
Therefore  clean  every  repair  thoroughly  with  a 
cloth  or  brush  dipped  in  clean  gasoline  and 
roughen  the  point  of  repair  with  a  rasp  or 
coarse  sandpaper  while  still  wet. 

Tires  must  be  dry  before  beginning  work  on 
them,  otherwise  a  porous  patch  will  result.  If 
you  think,  for  any  reason,  that  the  canvas  in 
the  casing  is  even  slightly  damp,  clamp  the 
vulcanizer  looselv  over  the  tire  for  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes  before  applying  the  first  coat  of  cement. 
Interpose  a  piece  of  waste  or  something  of  the 
sort  between  vulcanizer  and  tire  to  permit  the 
escape  of  moisture. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  667 

It  takes  from  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes  to 
vulcanize  a  layer  of  Para  one-sixteenth  of  an 
inch  thick  if  the  thermometer  is  kept  at  265 
degrees,  and  five  additional  minutes  for  each 
additional  sixteenth  of  an  inch.  Vulcanization 
will  occur  equally  well  at  all  temperatures  be- 
tween 250  degrees  and  275  degrees.  The  lower 
temperatures  require  more,  and  the  higher  tem- 
peratures less  time  than  stated  above. 

Inner  tube  punctures.  Clean  the  tube  thor- 
oughly with  gasoline  and  coarse  sandpaper,  for 
at  least  an  inch  all  around  the  hole  (be  careful 
not  to  get  gasoline  inside  the  tube)  ;  then  wipe 
with  a  cloth  moistened  with  gasoline.  When 
the  gasoline  has  evaporated  cement  the  edges  of 
the  hole  and  apply  a  thin  layer  of  cement  to 
the  tube  for  three-quarters  of  an  inch  on  each 
side  of  the  hole.  Let  the  cement  dry  until 
the  gasoline  has  all  evaporated  and  the  cement 
is  solid  enough  to  resist  the  touch.  ''Tacky" 
is  the  usual  word.  Apply  a  second  coat  and  let 
dry  as  before. 

If  a  small  hole,  fill  even  with  the  surface  of 
tube  with  layers  of  Para  rubber  cut  the  size  of 
the  hole,  taking  care  that  the  Para  sticks  all 
around  the  edges.  If  a  simple  puncture,  place 
a  narrow  strip  of  Para  rubber  over  the  end  of 
a  match  and  insert  it  into  the  hole.  Cut  off 
what  protrudes  outside  the  tube.  Cut  a  patch 
of  Para  one-eighth  larger  than  the  hole  or  punc- 
ture and  apply  over  same.  Then  cut  another 
patch  one-half  inch  larger  than  the  hole  and 


668  The  Automobile  Handbook 

apply  over  the  first.  Cover  and  apply  vulcan- 
izer. 

Repairs  of  this  sort  are  to  be  vulcanized  for 
fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  at  265  degrees. 

Inner  tube  cuts  and  tears.  Clean  as  directed 
both  inside  and  outside  of  tube;  coat  edges  of 
cut  and  inside  and  outside  of  tube  with  cement 
and  ,let  dry.  The  cement  should  extend  three- 
fourths  of  an  inch  back  from  the  cut. 

Cut  a  strip  of  Para  rubber  ac  wide  as  tube 
is  thick  and  stick  on  edge  of  cut;  cut  a  strip 
one-half  inch  wide  of  Para  rubber  cured  on  one 
side,  place  it  inside  of  tube  under  tear  with 
cured  side  down,  bring  edges  of  tear  together 
and  stick  them  down  to  this  strip.  If  you  do 
not  have  any  of  the  Para  cured  on  one  side 
regular  Para  may  be  used  after  cementing  a 
piece  of  paper  to  inside  of  tube  opposite  the  cut 
to  prevent  patch  from  sticking  to  opposite  side. 

Apply  another  strip  of  Para  rubber  one-half 
inch  wide  on  the  outside  of  the  repair.  Vul- 
canize for  twenty-five  minutes. 

The  first  step  in  making  a  casing  repair  is, 
just  as  in  the  case  of  all  tire  work,  to  thoroughly 
clean  the  point  of  repair.  Apply  from  one  to 
three  layers  of  cement,  allowing  each  to  dry. 
If  the  canvas  is  exposed,  as  in  a  scalp  cut,  put 
on  enough  cement  to  fill  the  pores  of  the  canvas 
and  loave  a  smooth  surface  when  dry.  Fill  the 
hole  not  quite  level  with  surface  with  Para  rub- 
ber. The  best  results  are  obtained  when  casing 
repairs  are  slightly  concave.     If  filled  too  full, 


The  Automobile  Handbook  669 

the  rubber  will  expand  and  flow  over  onto  the 
unprepared  surface  in  a  thin  film  that  will  soon 
peel  up  and  cause  trouble.  Moreover,  a  pro- 
truding patch  will  receive  more  than  its  share 
of  hammering  and  will  undoubtedly  split  open. 

Tonneau.  The  name  or  term  used  in  connec- 
tion with  the  rear  seats  of  a  motor  car.  •  Liter- 
ally the  word  means  a  round  tank  or  water 
barrel. 

Torsion  Rod.  When  the  manner  in  which 
the  power  is  transmitted  from  the  change-speed 
gear  to  the  rear  axle  on  the  shaft-driven  car  is 
considered,  it  will  be  apparent  that  the  turning 
of  the  shaft  imposes  a  twisting  strain  on  the 
whole  rear  end  of  the  car,  and  that  if  it  were  not 
for  the  frame,  and  the  weight  of  the  car  on  the 
ground,  there  would  be  a  tendency  to  revolve 
the  rear  of  the  chassis  around  the  shaft,  rather 
than  to  turn  the  wheels.  But  it  would  be  bad 
practice  to  permit  this  strain  to  fall  on  the  frame 
and  hence  the  office  of  the  torsion  rod,  which  is 
designed  to  prevent  its  reaching  that  member. 
On  cars  that  are  not  provided  with  independent 
torsion  rods,  it  will  be  found  that  the  housing 
of  the  propeller  shaft  has  been  made  corre- 
spondingly stronger,  and  that  its  support  has 
been  designed  to  enable  it  to  act  in  this  double 
capacity.  This  represents  a  simplification  of 
design  that  will  be  found  on  quite  a  number  of 
cars,  as  it  eliminates  a  part  exposed  to  mud  and 
dirt. 

Traction  of  Driving  Wheels.    A  horse  which 


670  The  Automobile  Handbook 

exerts  a  pull  of  about  375  pounds  continuously 
for  an  hour  and  goes  a  distance  of  one  mile  in 
an  hour  is  working  at  the  rate  of  one  horse- 
power. If  for  any  reason  the  horse  is  unable  to 
exert  as  much  as  375  pounds  pull  when  going 
at  the  rate  of  one  mile  per  hour,  he  is  thereby 
prevented  from  working  at  the  rate  of  one 
horsepower. 

The  same  rule  applies  to  a  motor  car.  When 
the  road  is  not  slippery  there  may  occur  a  con- 
dition which  does  not  appear  with  horse  trac- 
tion ;  that  the  tires  fail  to  adhere  to  the  ground 
owing  to  insufficient  weight  on,  the  driving 
wheels.  In  such  a  case  it  is  impossible  for  the 
motor-car  to  exert  a  push  of  375  pounds  with- 
out skidding  the  wheels,  and  thus  it  would  be 
impossible  for  it  to  work  at  the  rate  of  one 
horsepower.  With  underpowered  motor-cars 
this  difficulty  does  not  occur,  but  to  develop  10 
horsepower  at  the  rims  of  the  driving  wheels 
while  covering  the  ground  at  the  rate  of  one 
mile  per  hour,  the  car  must  exert  a  push  on  the 
road  of  3,750  pounds.  This  is,  on  touring  cars 
of  ordinary  weight,  impossible,  because  the 
weight  on  the  driving  wheels  is  invariably  less 
than  3,750  pounds,  while  the  adhesion  with  the 
road  is  only  a  fraction  of  the  weight  on  the  rear 
wheels.  As  the  specnl  rises,  however,  the  push 
necessary  for  1h(^  development  of  10  horsepower 
goes  down  until  at  10  miles  per  hour  a  push  of 
375  pounds  inc^ans  10  horsepower. 

Thus  a  40  horsepower  car,  if  it  could  start 


The  Automobile  Handbook  671 

work  with  the  activity  of  forty  horses,  would, 
Avhile  it  was  moving  at  one  mile  per  hour,  exert 
no  less  a  push  than  40  x  375,  which  is  equal  to 
15,700  pounds.  This  tremendous  push  is  ren- 
dered impossible  by  the  fact  that  the  wheels  of 
a  c^  weighing  2,000  pounds  only  grip  the 
ground  enough  to  exert  about  750  pounds  push. 
Beyond  this  point  they  will  skid. 

This  shows  that  a  high-powered  car,  when  the 
car  is  moving  slowly,  cannot  develop  its  full 
power  unless  the  road  wheels  are  capable  of  ad- 
hering to  the  ground  sufficiently  to  transmit 
this  power.  As  a  rule  only  about  0.6  of  the 
weight  of  the  car  is  on  the  driving  wheels,  and 
of  that  only  0.625  is  available  for  the  adhesion 
(owing  to  the  coefficient  of  friction  between 
rubber  and  road  being  0.625).  So  a  10  horse- 
power car  weighing  2,000  pounds  cannot  exert 
its  full  power  when  the  car  is  starting,  nor  until 
it  is  traveling  at  5  miles  per  hour. 

It  would  be  wrong  to  contend  that  on  all 
cars  having  the  weight  distributed  as  at  pres- 
ent, a  60  horsepower  motor  is  useless,  but  it  is 
needless  to  say  that  the  output  of  such  a  motor 
is  not  availabe  at  starting  or  at  any  speed 
under  30  miles  per  hour,  although  the  whole 
power  is  more  needed  then  than  at  any  other 
time.  The  remedy  which  suggests  itself  is  by 
using  all  the  adhesion  of  the  car,  that  is,  to 
drive  with  all  four  wheels. 

Transmission  of  Power — Efficiency  of.  The 
efficiency  of  various  forms  of  drives  between 


t)72  The  Automobile  Handbook 

the  motor  and  the  driving  wheels  of  a  motor 
car  may  be  estimated  as  follows : 

Single-chain,  with  direct  drive  on  the  high 
speed,  between  the  motor  and  rear  axle — 85  per 
cent. 

Two-chain  drive,  from  motor  to  speed-change 
gear,  from  speed-change  gear  to  rear  axle — 75 
per  cent. 

Quarter-turn  or  right-angle  drive,  with  dou- 
ble-chain drive  to  free  rear  wheels — 70  per 
cent. 

Longitudinal  shaft  drive,  with  universal 
joints  and  bevel  gear  in  differential  case — 65 
per  cent. 

Transmission  Shaft.  The  square  transmis- 
sion-shaft used  on  several  highest-powered  cars 
is  a  nickel  stoel  forging  with  .25  to  .30  per  cent 
of  carbon.  The  treatment  is  about  as  follows: 
First  heated  in  lead  bath,  then  transferred  to 
the  cyanide,  where  it  remains  20  minutes,  then 
dipped  in  cottonseed  oil.  The  shaft  then  goes 
to  the  furnace  and  is  heated  to  1,400  degrees 
Falirenlic^it.  When  removed  from  the  furnace, 
only  the  part  of  the  shaft  upon  which  the  slid- 
ing gears  operate  is  dipped  in  oil.  This  class 
of  steel  before  treatment  averages  86,000  tensile 
strength,  after  trc^atment  125,000  to  130,000. 

Transmission.     See  Change  Speed  Gearing. 

Trouble  Location.  See  Knocking,  Pounding, 
Preignition,  etc, 

Twelve-Cylinder  Engine.  See  Engine,  Eight 
and  Twelve  Cylinder, 


The  Automobile  Handbook  673 

Unit  of  Heat.  The  heat  unit  or  British  ther- 
mal unit  (B.  T.  U.)  is  the  quantity  of  heat  re- 
quired to  raise  the  temperature  of  one  pound 
of  water  one  degree,  or  from  39^  to  40°  F.,  and 
the  amount  of  mechanical  work  required  to  pro- 
duce a  unit  of  heat  is  778  foot  pounds.  There- 
fore the  mechanical  equivalent  of  heat  is  the 
energy  required  to  raise  778  pounds  one  foot 
high,  or  77.8  pounds  10  feet  high,  or  1  pound 
778  feet  high.  Or  again,  suppose  a  one-pound 
weight  falls  through  a  space  of  778  feet  or  a 
weight  of  778  pounds  falls  one  foot,  enough 
mechanical  energy  would  thus  be  developed  to 
raise  a  pound  of  water  one  degree  in  tempera- 
ture, provided  all  the  energy  so  developed 
could  be  utilized  in  churning  or  stirring  the  -wa- 
ter. 

Vacuum  Fuel  Feed.    See  Fuel  Feed,  Vacuum. 


674  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Valves. 

Sleeve  Val\'es.  During  the  last  few  years 
there  has  been  placed  on  the  market  a  type  of 
engine  that  does  not  have  poppett  valves,  but 
which  has  a  type  of  valve  known  as  a  "Sleeve 
Yalve."    See  Engine,  Sliding  Sleeve  Type. 

Sleeve  valves  are  made  by  placing  two  sliding 


Fig.  317 
Sliding  Sleeve  Valves 

sleeves  belwci'ji  the  piston  and  the  cylinder 
«-alls,  Fig.  ;{17.  These  sleeves  are  shaped  like 
a  seetidii  of  tubing  and  are  about  an  eighth  of 
an  inch  thick.  There  are  holes  or  Blots  cut 
Ihcoiigli  tlifi  sWves  near  the  top,  that  is,  in  the 
pari  of  the  sleeve  nearest  the  cylinder  head. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  675 

The  holes,  or  ** ports*'  as  they  are  called,  are 
placed  so  that  when  the  sleeves  are  placed  in  a 
certain  position  the  holes  are  opposite  each» 
other.  When  they  are  opposite  each  other  they 
will  let  the  mixture  through  into  the  cylinder  or 
let  the  burned  gas  out  into  the  exhaust  pipe, 
depending  on  which  thing  it  is  necessary  to  do. 

The  lower  ends  of  the  sleeves  connect  with 
small  connecting  rods  which  are  worked  up  and 
down  by  eccentrics  on  the  shaft  that  takes  the 
place  of  the  cam  shaft.  These  small  connecting 
rods  move  the  two  sleeves  up  and  down  so  that 
when  the  piston  is  ready  to  start  down  on 
the  inlet  stroke  two  of  the  openings  come  oppo- 
site each  other,  one  opening  in  each  sleeve. 
These  two  openings  are  brought  opposite  the 
opening  that  goes  to  the  carburetor  at  the  same 
time  they  are  opposite  each  other  so  that  the 
fresh  mixture  can  be  drawn  into  the  cylinder. 

After  the  piston  passes  bottom  center  the 
sleeves  are  moved  so  that  the  openings  are  not 
opposite  each  other  or  the  opening  to  the  car- 
buretor and  the  fresh  gas  is  shut  off. 

When  the  piston  is  most  of  the  way  down  on 
the  power  stroke  two  ports  on  the  other  side  of 
the  sleeves,  one  opening  in  each  sleeve,  are^ 
brought  opposite  each  other,  and  at  the  same 
time  opposite  a  hole  that  opens  into  the  exhaust 
pipe  so  that  the  burned  gas  can  get  out  of  the 
cylinder.  After  the  piston  finishes  the  down 
stroke,  goes  up  on  the  exhaust  stroke,  and  is  just 
past  top  center,  the  two  openings  are  moved  so 


676 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


that  they  close  the  hole  into  the  exhaust  pipe 
and  then  the  inlet  openings  come  opposite  each 
other  again. 

These  sleeves  are  adjusted  to  open  and  close 
at  just  the  right  time  by  adjusting  the  length 
of  the  small  connecting  rods. 


Pig.  318 
Engine  Having  Single  Rotary  Valv© 

The  opening  and  closing  of  the  ports  should 
come  simultaneously  with  the  opening  and  clos- 
ing of  the  inlet  and  exhaust  valves  in  a  poppett 
valve  engine. 

R(JT.\RY  Valves.  Other  engines  are  made 
without  either  poppet  or  sleeve  valves  but  with 
a  type  of  valve  called  a  "Rotary  Valve." 


The  Automobile  Handbook  677 

Rotary  valves,  Pigs.  318  and  319,  are  made 
by  having  a  long  round  shaft  run  along  the 
side  of  the  cylinders  near  the  cylinder  heads. 
Holes  are  bored  through  this  shaft  so  that  the 
,  holes  come  opposite  openings  into  the  cylinder 
or  combustion  space  and  at  the  same  time  open 


Fig.  319 
Engine  With   Separate  Rotary  Valves 

into  the  pipe  leading  to  the  carburetor  or  to  the 
exhaust  pipe,  according  to  the  position  the  pis- 
ton is  in  and  the  stroke  it  is  making. 

This  long  shaft  or  valve  is  set  in  a  position  to 
open  the  inlet  holes  at  the  same  time  as  the 
inlet   valves   should   open    in    a   poppet    valve 


678  The  Automobile  Handbook 

motor,  to  close  the  inlet  holes  at  the  time  the 
inlet  valves  should  close,  and  to  open  and  close 
the  exhaust  holes  at  the  same  time  as  the  ex- 
haust valves  should  open  and  close  in  a  poppett 
valve  engine. 

The  rotary  valve  is  driven  from  the  crank 
shaft  by  gears  or  chains  so  that  it  turns  half  as 
fast  as  the  crank  shaft,  just  the  same  as  the  cam 
shaft  would  turn. 

Disc  Valves.  There  are  still  other  engines 
made  with  a  type  of  valve  known  as  a  ''Rotary 
Disc  Valve."  These  valves  are  in  the  shape  of 
a  piece  of  round  iron  as  large  around  as  the 
top  of  the  piston  and  about  a  quarter  inch  thick. 
They  are  placed  on  the  top  of  the  cylinder  and 
fastened  to  gears  so  that  they  rotate  or  turn 
around. 

Holes  are  cut  through  the  disc  so  that  they 
come  opposite  holes  cut  through  the  cylinder 
head.  Some  of  these  holes  connect  with  the 
pipe  that  goes  to  the  carburetor  and  others  con- 
nect with  the  exhaust  pipe. 

The  discs  are  made  to  turn  so  that  the  inlet 
holes  and  exhaust  holes  are  opened  and  closed 
at  the  same  times  as  the  inlet  and  exhaust 
valves  are  opened  and  closed  on  a  poppett  valve 
motor. 

Pitted  Valves.  A  valve  in  a  pitted  con- 
dition eausos  l)ad  compression,  and  the  exhaust- 
valve  should  be  ground  occasionally.  After 
grinding  the  exhaust-valve  be  sure  that  there 
is  ample  clearance  between  the  valve  and  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  679 

lifter.  It  should  have  not  less  than  one  hun- 
dredth of  an  inch,  otherwise  when  the  valve  be- 
comes hot  it  will  not  seat  properly,  poor  com- 
pression being  the  result.  In  grinding  a  valve 
there  is  no  occasion  to  use  force,  and  the  grind- 
ing should  be  done  lightly,  the  valve  being 
lifted  from  time  to  time  so  that  any  foreign 
substance  in  the  emery  will  not  cut  a  ridge  in 
the  seat,  or  the  valve  itself.  After  grinding  the 
valve  always  wash  out  the  valve  seat  with  a 
little  kerosene,  and  be  careful  that  none  of  the 
emery  is  allowed  to  get  into  the  motor  cylinder. 

Valves  which  need  reseating  should  first  be 
ground  in  place  with  fine  emery  and  oil,  then 
finished  with  tripoli  and  water. 

A  good  mixture  for  grinding  valves  may  be 
made  by  using  fine  emery  and  cylinder  oil 
mixed  in  the  form  of  a  paste  convenient  to 
work  with. 

Exhaust- Valve  Sticking.  Sometimes  a  mo- 
tor may  suddenly  stop  from  the  failure  of  the 
exhaust-valve  to  seat  properly.  This  may  be 
due  to  the  warping  of  the  valve,  through  the 
motor  having  run  dry  and  become  hot,  or  it 
may  be  from  the  failure  of  the  valve  spring,  or 
the  sticking  of  the  valve-stem  in  its  guides.  The 
valve  should  be  removed,  and  the  stem  cleaned 
and  scraped,  or  straightened  if  it  requires  it, 
until  it  moves  freely  in  the  guide,  and  the 
spring  is  given  its  full  tension.  If  the  valve 
still  leaks  so  that  the  motor  will  not  start  or 


680  The  Automobile  Handbook 

develop  sufficient  power,  the  valve  will  have  to 
be  ground  into  its  seat. 

Valve  Grinding.  To  grind  a  valve  pro- 
ceed as  follows:  First  loosen  the  lower  end  of 
the  valve  spring  from  the  lower  end  of  the  valve. 
This  may  be  held  by  a  number  of  different  de- 
vices such  as  washers  with  pins  under  them,  or 
grooves  cut  in  the  valve  steam  into  which  a 
washer  slips.  To  loosen  the  spring  it  must  first 
be  pried  up  from  the  bottom,  that  is,  so  the  end 
of  the  spring  is  held  away  from  the  end  of  the 
stem.  This  may  be  done  by  a  special  valve 
spring  lifter  or  the  repairman  can  make  a  forked 
lever  so  that  the  prongs  fit  on  each  side  of  the 
stem  and  lift  the  spring  by  resting  the  lever 
on  some  solid  piece.  Sometimes  the  spring  can 
be  lifted  by  taking  a  common  screwdriver  and 
using  it  to  pry  with.  Before  the  spring  can  be 
raised,  however,  the  cap  that  covers  the  head  of 
the  valve  must  be  removed  or  at  any  rate  the 
head  must  be  reached.  Now  take  a  "screwdriver 
or  hammer  handle  or  a  piece  of  wood  and  wedge 
it  into  the  valve  pocket  so  that  the  head  of  the 
valve  cannot  lift.  If  this  was  not  done  the 
whole  valve  would  lift  when  you  pried  up  on  the 
spring. 

After  the  spring  is  pried  up  out  of  the  way 
remove  whatever  locking  device  was  holding  it 
and  tlien  the  valve  may  be  taken  out  of  the  hole 
above  llie  valve  head  by  letting  the  stem  slip 
through  tlie  spring  and  locking  parts.  You  can 
now  examine  the   face  and  seat  and  you  will 


The  Automobile  Handbook  681 

probably  find  them  pitted.  Also  examine  the 
stem,  and  if  it  is  dirty  or  covered  with  soot 
(called  carbon  in  the  automobile  business),  it 
should  be  scraped  clean  with  a  knife  blade  or 
some  sharp  instrument.  There  must  be  no  ridges 
on  the  valve  stem  that  might  keep  it  from  seat- 
ing the  valve  properly. 

A  valve  stem  must  never  be  oiled  or  greased 
under  any  conditions.  They  are  designed  to 
work  dry. 

The  valve  is  ground  by  placing  some  cutting 
material  between  the  seat  and  face  and  rubbing 
them  together.  Valve  grinding  material  may 
be  made  by  taking  emery  powder  of  a  fine  grade 
and  mixing  it  with  enough  engine  lubricating 
oil  to  make  a  rather  thin  paste,  or  it  may  be 
made  by  mixing  the  emery  with  lubricating  oil 
and  kerosene.  It  may  also  be  made  by  mixing 
powdered  glass  with  a  thin  oil  into  a  paste,  this 
being  used  mostly  for  finishing  the  operation. 
If  a  very  fine  fit  is  desired  a  paste  can  be  made 
with  crocus  powder  and  oil.  A  rather  coarse 
paste  is  used  at  first  if  the  surfaces  are  badly 
pitted  and  the  finer,  smoother  pastes  are  used 
for  finishing. 

After  making  the  paste  take  a  cloth  (not  a 
piece  of  waste),  tie  a  string  to  it  and  stuff  the 
cloth  into  the  opening  from  the  valve  pocket  to 
the  combustion  space.  This  is  to  keep  the  grind- 
ing material  out  of  the  cylinder,  where  it  would 
do  great  harm. 

On  the  top  of  the  valve  head  you  will  find  a 


682  The  Automobile  Handbook 

slot  for  a  screwdriver  or  else  some  holes  that 
take  the  end  of  a  special  fork-shaped  tool. 
These  let  you  turn  the  valve  face  on  the  seat, 
and  you  will  need  a  tool  that  fits  the  particular 
valve  head  you  wish  to  work  with.  You  will 
also  need  a  small  can  of  gasoline  or  kerosene 
handy  so  that  the  grinding  compound  may  be 
washed  from  the  valve  and  seat. 

The  operation  of  valve  grinding  consists  of 
placing  a  small  amount  of  the  grinding  com- 
pound evenly  on  the  face  but  not  very  thick. 
What  you  can  easily  pick  up  on  the  tip  of  a 
pocket  knife  blade  is  plenty  at  one  time.  The 
valve  is  now  placed  in  the  cylinder  or  part  that 
it  came  out  of  so  that  the  face  rests  on  the  seat. 
Now  take  the  tool  that  turns  the  valve  and  turn 
the  valve  about  half  way  around  and  then  back 
again.  Do  this  several  times..  Do  not  use  much 
pressure  as  the  pressure  forces  the  grinding 
compound  from  between  the  face  and  seat  and 
makes  the  work  slower. 

After  making  several  half  turns  the  valve 
head  must  be  raised  and  turned  to  a  new  posi- 
tion while  it  is  not  touching  the  seat,  and  then 
the  operation  is  repeated.  If  you  do  not  raise 
the  valve  from  the  seat  every  few  half  turns  you 
will  make  ridges  on  the  face  arid  spoil  the  job. 
Also,  if  you  turn  the  valve  round  and  round 
without  reversing  the  motion  and  raising  it  you 
will  spoil  the  work.  In  order  to  raise  the  valve 
from  the  seat  e\^Ty  ouxe,^  vo.  ^  ^\c^fc  -j^nj.  <»an 
take  a  light  spxm^  Al\v^V  ^\s.  ^tq>m^^  ^^  %\fc^  ^^^ 


The  Automobile  Handbook  683 

place  it  on  the  valve  stem  just  under  the  head. 
This  spring  should  rest  on  the  metal*  of  the  cyl- 
inder at  its  lower  end  and  hold  the  valve  about 
a  half  inch  off  the  seat.  When  you  press  on 
the  valve  grinding  tool  the  valve  will  be  pressed 
down  onto  the  seat,  but  when  you  release  the 
pressure  it  will  raise  again  and  you  can  turn 
to  a  new  position  without  pushing  up  on  the 
stem  from  below. 

The  valve  must  be  ground  for  a  few  minutes 
and  then  washed  off  and  carefully  examined. 
When  the  face,  and  seat  are  a  clean  even  light 
gray  all  around  and  have  no  marks  or  pits  or 
rings  at  any  point  the  job  is  finished  and  the 
valve  should  be  gas  tight. 

The  next  thing  to  do  is  to  test  the  valve  for 
tightness.  This  can  be  done  by  placing  pencil 
marks  at  short  distances  all  around  the  face  and 
then  pressing  the  valve  down  and  turning  it 
once  around.  If  the  marks  are  all  off  the  face 
it  will  be  tight.  You  can  also  pour  gasoline  or 
kerosene  on  top  of  the  valve  and  watch  for  it  to 
run  down  the  stem.  If  it  does  not  leak  through 
it  is  tight. 

Now  wash  every  trace  of  grinding  material 
from  the  valve  and  the  seat  and  valve  pocket 
and  replace  the  valve  with  the  spring  and  the 
valve  cap. 


684  The  Automobile  Handbook 

Valve  Clearance.  A  large  number  of  motors, 
especially  old  ones,  are  unnecessarily  noisy  be- 
cause of  superfluous  clearance  between  the 
valve  lifters  and  the  valves,  and  a  great  part 
of  the  noise  may  be  eliminated  simply  by  the 
expenditure  of  a  little  time  and  care  in  reduc- 
ing this  clearance  to  the  minimum.  Every  valve 
cam,  no  matter  what  its  shape  otherwise  may 
be,  is  tangential  at  the  first  and  last  portions  of 
the  valve's  movement.  The  sooner  the  valve 
takes  hold  of  the  cam  on  the  lift,  and  the  later 
it  lets  go  on  the  descent,  the  slower  will  be  the 


Fig.  320 

movement  of  the  valve  at  these  instants,  and 
the  less  will  be  the  shock  both  of  the  lifter  on 
striking  tlie  valve  stem,  and  of  the  valve  head 
on  meeting  its  seat.^  Fig.  320  shows  this  clearly. 
The  tangent  line  A  B  starts  at  A,  and  during 
the  are  D  C  Ihe  rise  of  the  cam  amounts  only 
to  a  minute  distance  A  D. 

The  objection  to  an  excessive  clearance  is  not 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


685 


simplj*  the  vertical  hammering,  but  the  sidewise 
pressure  imposed  on  the  valve-lifters  by  the 
cams,  particularly  at  the  instant  of  opening  the 
exhaust-valves.  If  it  were  possible  to  operate 
the  valves  with  no  clearance  whatever,  and  if 
there  were  no  lost  motion,  and  if  the  whole 
mechanism  were  ideally  rigid,  the  line  of  pres- 
sure of  the  cam  at  the  instant  could  be  said  to 


t 


Fig.  321 

be  vertical,  and  there  would  be  no  side  thrust 
till  the  valve  was  off  its  seat  and  the  pressure 
of  the  gases  on  the  valve  was  partly  equalized. 
As  the  matter  actually  stands,  however,  there  is 
a  side  thrust  which  is  considerably  increased 
by  unnecessary  clearance,  as  comparison  of 
Figs.  321  and  322  clearly  shows.  In  Fig.  321 
there    is    no    clearance,    and    the    tangent    to 


686 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


the  line  of  contact  is  horizontal.  In  Fig.  322 
there  is  a  clearance,  AB.  The  thrust  acts  at 
right  angles  to  the  tangent  along  the  line  C  D, 
and  if  C  E  represents  by  its  length  the  force 
required  to  overcome  the  pressure  on  the  valve 
and  the  force  of  the  spring,  there  is  a  horizontal 
thrust  equal  to  D  E.     It  goes  without  saying 


Fig.   322 

that  valve-lifters  thus  adjusted  will  wear  loose 
in  the  guides  faster  than  they  should.  As  the 
gas  pressure  on  the  valve  head  may  amount  to 
30  or  40  pounds  per  square  inch  the  instant  be- 
fore the  valve  is  open,  there  is  an  evident  tend- 
ency to  wear  a  hollow  in  the  cam  at  the  pre- 
cise point  where  it  starts  the  exhaust  valve  from 
its  seat.     Evidently,  moreover,  the  smaller  the 


The  Automobile  Handbook  687 

clearance,  the  greater  will  be  the  leverage  of 
the  cam,  and  the  smaller  will  be  its  wearing 
tendency. 

The  precise  amount  of  minimum  clearance  is 
hard  to  state  arbitrarily.  The  thickness  of  a 
business  card  or  about  10-l,000th  of  an  inch  is 
ample  allowance  for  the  expansion  of  valve 
stems  for  the  average  length. 

Valves — Lead  of.  The  higher  the  speed  of  the 
motor  the  greater  the  necessity  for  giving  both 
the  exhaust,  and  the  inlet  valves  what  has  come 
to  be  known  as  a  **lead,"  in  that  they  open 
before  the  completion  of  the  particular  part  of 
the  cycle  that  they  are  intended  to  perform.  It 
must  be  borne  in  mind  that  time  is  required  to 
set  a  thing  in  motion  and  to  stop  it,  regardless 
of  its  form  or  weight,  and  this  is  true  of  a  gas, 
which  has  inertia  the  same  as  other  substances. 
Further,  an  appreciable  period,  thougli  very 
short  indeed,  is  required  for  the  creation  of  the 
vacuum  in  the  cylinder.  The  gas  does  not  rush 
into  the  combustion  chamber  the  moment  the 
inlet  valve  opens ;  the  piston  must  have  traveled 
downward 'a  bit  before  this  takes  place  and  the 
column  of  gas  then  rushing  in  attains  an  in- 
creasing velocity  as  the  piston  approaches  the 
lower  center.  In  fact,  it  is  at  its  greatest  speed 
when  the  piston  reaches  the  lower  dead  center 
so  that  the  first  part  of  its  return  travel  has 
little  or  no  effect  on  the  incoming  gas,  which 
accordingly  continues  to  pour  into  the  cylinder, 
until  the  piston  reaches  a  point  on  its  upward 


688  The  Automobile  Handbook 

stroke,  where  its  compression  is  sufficient  to 
overcome  the  Ineitia  of  the  stream  of  gas,  and 
this  is  the   point  at  which   moat  designers  of 


Fig.  323  Fig.  324 

Inclined    POP,...   V.l,e  ^.p^'/l^^- 

high-spefd  engines  set  the  inlet  valve  to  dose, 
IliiiM  permitting  of  the  suction  of  the  greatest 
possibk'  riuantity  of  fresh  gas. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  689 

Valves,  Inlet,  Diameter  and  Lift  of.  For 
a  motor  of  any  desired  bore  and  stroke,  and 
speed  in  revolutions  per  minute,  the  following 
formula  may  be  used  to  determine  the  diameter 
of  the  valve  opening : 

Let  B  be  the  bore  of  the  motor  cylinder  in 
inches,  and  S  the  stroke  of  the  piston  also  in 
inches.  As  R  is  the  number  of  revolutions  per 
minute  and  D  the  required  diameter  of  the 
valve  opening,  then 

BXSXR 

15,000 

Example :  Required  the  diameter  of  the  ad- 
mission-valve opening  for  a  motor  of  4V2-inch 
bore  and  stroke  at  1,000  revolutions  per  minute. 

Answer:  As  4^/^  multiplied  by  4l^  and  by 
1,000  equals  20,250,  then  20,250  divided  by  15,- 
000  gives  1.35  inches  as  the  diameter  of  the 
valve  opening. 

In  practice,  a  motor  of  4%  inches  bore  and 
stroke  has,  with  a  mechanically  operated  ad- 
mission-valve, an  opening  of  li/^  inches  diame- 
ter and  runs  up  to  1,200  revolutions  per  minute. 

The  upper  view  in  Fig.  325  shows  clearly  the 
diameter  D  referred  to  in  the  formula,  as  some 
persons  are  in  the  habit  of  referring  to  the  out- 
side diameter  of  the  valve  itself  instead  of  the 
opening  in  the  admission-valve  seat.  The  cen- 
ter view  in  Figure  8  shows  an  admission-valve 
with  a  flat  seat,  which  is  known  as  a  mushroom 
valve,  on  account  of  its  shape.    For  this  form 


690 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


of  valve  to  give  a  fuU  opening  the  lift  shouk 
be  exactly  one-fourth  of  the  diameter  of  tli( 
valve  opening:  therefore  if  L  be  the  reqiiirec 
lift  of  the  valve,  and  D  the  diameter  of  thi 
valve  opening,  then 

D 
L  =  —  =  0.25  D 

4 


Fig.  325 

The  lower  view  in  Fig.  325  shows  a  vai 
witli  a  Ix'vcl  seat,  having  an  angle  of  45  degree 
wliicli  is  most  commonly  used.  The  lift  of  tli 
form  of  valve  rcMiuires  to  be  about  three-eight 
of  the  (liamoter  of  the  valve  opening;  that  is, 
L  is  th(»  rcMiuired  lift  of  the  valve  and  D  tl 
diameter  of  the  valve  opening,  then 


The  AiUomobile  Handbook 


691 


D 


Lz= 


2.83 


=  0.35  D 


The  bevel-seat  form  of  valve  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred to  the  flat-seat  or  mushroom  type  of 
valve,  for  two  reasons:  first,  that  it  is  more 
readily  kept  in  shape  by  regrinding,  and  sec- 
ond, it  gives  a  freer  and  more  direct  passage 
for  the  gases,  as  will  be  plainly  seen  by  refer- 
ence to  the  lower  view  in  Figure  325. 

Table  12  gives  the  correct  diameter  of  valve 
openings  for  motors  from  3  by  3,  to  6  by  6  inches 
bore  and  stroke,  with  speeds  from  900  to  1,800 
revolutions  per  minute,  and  piston  velocities  of 
600,  750  and  900  feet  per  minute,  for  mechan- 
ically operated  admission-valves. 


TABLE  12. 

DIAMETER    OF    MECHANICALLY     OPERATED    ADMISSION-VALVES. 


• 

■ 

o 

-t-> 

Piston  Speed   in 

Feet  per  Minute 

600 

750 

900 

1— < 

Pk 

>* 

o 

tM 

u 

u 

^ 

<M 

o 

o 

0) 

'    ^6  ■ 

0) 

Pi     • 
0) 

P.  • 

bi) 

<v 

X 

m  3 

4-> 

CO  3 

(h 

o 

>  C 

ce-^  <i> 

>  C 

d-^  ^ 

>  a 

ci-^  '^ 

o 

M 

0)  -^ 

iS  c(3  ft 

OJ-'H 

•f-i  03  Oi 

Or^ 

•«   TO   P, 

W 

w 

KS 

p>o 

«:^ 

p>o 

«:^ 

Pf>o 

3      1 

3 

1200     1 

0.72 

1500     1 

0.90 

1800 

1.08 

3J     1 

3i 

1030 

0.84 

1285     1 

1.05 

1570 

1.26 

4       1 

4 

900 

0.00 

1125 

1.20 

1350 

1.44 

4i 

U 

800     1 

l.OS 

1000     1 

1.35 

1200 

1.62 

5 

5 

720     1 

1.20 

900 

1.50 

1080 

1.80 

r>i 

5J 

(\Tu)     j 

1.32 

820     1 

1.65 

965 

1.95 

6 

6 

000     1 

1.44 

750 

1.80 

900 

2.16 

Atmospheric  or  suction  operated  admission- 
valves  require  to  be  of  somewhat  larger  diame- 


692  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ter  than  mechanically  operated  admission- 
valves,  for  two  reasons :  first,  that  the  incoming 
charge  has  to  lift  the  valve  from  its  seat  and 
keep  it  suspended  during  the  suction  stroke  of 
the  motor  piston,  and  secondly  on  account  of 
the  resistance  offered  by  the  valve  spring, 
which  tends  at  all  times  to  keep  the  valve  on  its 
seat.  For  an  atmospherically  operated  admis- 
sion-valve which  will  insure  practically  a  full 
charge  in  the  motor  cylinder  the  formula 
should  be 

BXSXR 
D  = 

12,750 

The  proper  diameter  for  atmospherically 
operated  admission-valve  openings  may  be 
readily  found  by  increasing  the  required  diam- 
eter given  in  the  above  table  for  mechanically 
operated  admission-valves,  by  15  per  cent. 

Example :  What  should  be  the  correct  diam- 
eter for  the  atmospherically  operated  admis- 
sion-valve of  a  motor  of  4^/4  inches  bore  and 
stroke,  with  a  piston  velocity  of  750  feet  per 
minute  ? 

Answer:  Under  the  column  headed  750  and 
opposite  4^/^  by  4^^,  the  diameter  given  is  1.35. 
Then  15  per  cent  of  1.35  equals  0.20,  which, 
added  to  1.35,  gives  1.55  inches  as  the  correct 
diameter  for  the  valve  opening  under  the  con- 
ditions given. 

Admissiox-valves,  Forms  of.  Figs.  326  and 
327  are  two  forms  of  combined  admission-valye 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


ind  valve  cage  or  chamber.  Fig.  326  has  the 
jilet  on  top  and  Fig.  'S21  on  the  side.  Figs.  328- 
J29  show   two   forms  cf  detachable  or  remov- 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Fig.  328 
able  admission  valves.    The  one  shown  in  Fig. 
329  may  be  removed  from  the  motor  without 
disconnecting  the  admissioc-pipe,  as  it  screws 


i(ili)  the  c'otiiliustion  chamber,  and  has  openings 
jiroLind  fhi'  lower  portion  for  the  admission  of 
Ihc  exjilosive  dinrge  to  the  valve. 


The  Automobile  Handbook  695 

Vulcanizing.    See  Tire  Vulcanizing, 

Watt-Hour— Definition  of.  A  current  of  one 
ampere  flowing  in  an  electric  circuit,  with  an 
electro-motive  force  of  one  volt,  is  equal  to 
one  volt-ampere  or  one  watt.  The  voltage  of  a 
circuit,  multiplied  by  the  rate  of  the  current 
flowing  in  amperes,  gives  the  rate  of  work,  or 
energy  expended  in  watt-hours. 

It  is  oftentimes  found  that  electric  lamps  for 
automobile  lighting  are  rated  according  to  their 
consumption  in  watts  rather  than  directly  in 
amperes.  The  number  of  candlepower  secured 
from  each  watt  consumed  will  vary  according 
to  the  size  of  the  lamp  iri  candlepower,  the 
material  of  which  the  filament  is  made  and  the 
type  of  bulb,  whether  vacuum  or  nitrogen.  A 
small  bulb  with  tungsten  filament  will  use  from 
1.10  to  1.25  watts  per  candlepower,  and  this  is 
reduced  until  in  the  largest  candlepower  the 
rate  is  about  0.95  watts.  The  consumption  with 
<^arbon  filaments  is  about  two  and  one-half 
times  that  with  tungsten.  Nitrogen  bulbs  use 
less  current  than  the  vacuum  type. 

Welding — Autogenous.  This  process  consists 
of  welding,  or,  more  correctly  speaking,  melt- 
ing together  metals  by  means  of  the  oxyacety- 
lene  flame,  the  temperature  of  which  almost 
rivals  that  of  the  electric  arc,  being  6,300  de- 
grees Fahrenheit.  The  facility  with  which  it 
can  be  handled  as  compared  with  most  other 
methods  makes  its  commercial  application  com- 
paratively simple.  The  possibilities  attendant 
upon  the  use  of  a  flame  of  such  high  tempera- 


696  The  Automobile  Handbook 

ture  can  be  realized  when  it  is  remembered  that 
the  melting  point  of  steel  is  about  2,570  degrees 
and  that  of  platinum,  one  of  the  most  refrac- 
tory metals,  is  only  3,227  degrees  Fahrenheit. 
Its  chief  field  of  usefulness  is  in  combining  such 
metal  parts  as  would  ordinarily  be  riveted,  in 
welding  small  parts  together,  in  repairing  bro- 
ken or  defective  castings  and  for  cutting  metals 
of  any  nature  or  size  that  occasions  demand. 

As  it  is  possible  to  unite  many  dissimilar 
metals,  and  with  a  heat  so  localized  that  neigh- 
boring parts  are  not  affected,  autogenous  weld- 
ing has  already  found  an  extensive  application 
in  motor  car  repair  work.  Broken  crankcases 
or  other  parts  can  be  united  and  made  practi- 
cally as  strong  as  new.  The  method  of  holding 
the  pieces  of  a  broken  aluminum  case,  for  exam- 
ple, is  to  clamp  them  into  position  temporarily 
while  clay  is  packed  around  the  parts  and 
heated  sufficiently  to  drive  out  the  moisture, 
thus  forming  a  solid  support  for  the  parts  as 
well  as  a  kind  of  mould.  A  series  of  holes  are 
usually  drilled  at  the  crack,  or  the  edges  of  the 
pieces  are  roughly  beveled  so,  as  previously  ex- 
plained, the  metal  can  be  built  up  from  the  bot- 
tom. Tn  some  instances  lugs  or  peculiar  shaped 
projections  may  have  been  completely  worn  off 
or  destroyed,  when  it  becomes  necessary  to  build 
up  now  ones  with  additional  metal.  In  repair- 
ing a  cracked  watorjacket,  after  the  edges  of 
the  crack  have  been  prepared,  it  is  customary 
to  use  copper  instead  of  iron  wire  for  the  filling 


The  Automobile  Handbook  697 

metal  as  it  flows  at  a  lower  temperature  and 
adheres  very  positively.  In  ease  there  is  dan- 
ger of  warping,  due  to  local  expansion,  the 
entire  cylinder  is  heated  before  operating 
upon  it. 

Wheels.  The  wood  work  of  all  wheels  should 
be  of  selected  grades  of  second  growth  hickory, 
or  equally  good  growths  of  other  hard  woods. 
In  the  driving  wheels  the  twisting  moment  of 
the  motor  is  transmitted  to  the  spokes  of  the 
wheels,  and  this  torsion  must  be  resisted  by 
the  wood  at  the  miter,  therefore,  if  the  hub 
flanging  is  not  clamped  tight  there  is  danger  of 
the  joints  ''working,*'  which  will  soon  lead  to 
something  worse.  When  the  hub  clamping 
bolts  are  tightened  up  they  should  be  so  pinned 
that  they  will  not  turn  with  the  nuts  because 
if  the  bolts  do  turn  it  will  be  impossible  to 
apply  sufficient  pressure,  and  the  clamping  ef- 
fort will  be  insufficient.  Fig.  332  shows  a  hub 
in  which  the  clamping  bolts  are  prevented  from 
turning  by  means  of  a  triangular  shaped  exten- 
sion just  under  the  bolt  heads,  which  engages 
a  slot  in  the  flange.  In  this  hub  the  flange  is 
made  integral  with  the  brake  drum,  which  also 
serves  for  the  sprocket  wheel,  and  the  torsional 
effort  is  taken  by  integral  metal  at  all  points, 
thus  relieving  the  wood  work  from  shock.  The 
nuts  used  on  the  clamp  bolts  shown  in  Fig.  332 
are  castellated,  although  it  is  not  necessary  to 
use  castellated  nuts  unless  the  flanges  have  to 
be  removed,  which  in  modern  construction  is 


698 


W-i^Aq-A 


Fijr.  330 
Rear  Wlieol  Spoke,  Snowing  Proportions 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


the-  exception,  rather  than  the  rule.  In  ordi- 
nary practice  if  the  wood  ia  thoroughly  sea- 
soned, plain  nuts,  if  screwed  up  tight  will  hold 
without  resorting  to  the  method  so  common  in 
shop  practice  of  riveting  the  ends  of  the  bolts 
over  the  nuts.  The  elastic  nature  of  the  wood 
will  serve  to  hold  the  nuts  in  place.  Regard- 
ing spokes,  a  certain  symmetry  of  contour  is 
aecessary  if  they  are  to  be  machine  made.   Fig. 


Fig.  331 

Settion  of  a  Hub  at  the  ifiter  Showing  Depth  of  Flange 

and  Method  ot  Clamping 


330  shows  a  spoke  in  which  all  the  i 
known  to  wheel  making  are  embodied,  and  the 
depth  of  flanging  is  that  which  experience  dic- 
tates as  adequate.  The  dimensions  of  the  spoke 
are  shown  in  detail  in  the  cut.  The  brake  drum 
is  bolted  to  the  spokes  at  a  considerable  radius, 
thus  eliminating  excess  strain  on  the  wood 
work. 

The  strength  of  the  spoke  depends  in  a  large 


Fip    332 
Tliriujrli   Rcir   ^^l      1   \Mtli   Combinfltion   Bnika 
Driiiii    in  I   Intipi    FInnge 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


701 


sure  upon  its  thickness  in  the  axle  plane  at 
tiub  flange,  which  in  Fig.  330  is  1%  in.  The 
nd  point  of  importance  is  at  A,  B,  where 
largest  diameter  is  also  1%  in.,  but  in  the 
e  of  the  wheel  instead  of  the  axle.  At  the 
n  engaging  the  felloe,  this  spoke  is  1%  in., 
s  major  diameter,  which  is  the  plane  of  the 


Fig.  333 

ction   of  Felloe  Depictinsf  Tenon   and  Methctd  of 

Wedging  Wlik-li  will  Split  tiie  Felloe 

,  whili"  in  the  plane  of  the  wheel  the  minor 
leter  of  the  elliptical  section  is  1  3/16  in., 
3h  dimension  prevails  in  this  plane  from 
t  A,  B,  out  to  the  felloe.  In  some  types  of 
:es  the  section  at  the  cngagempnt  of  the  fel- 
:s  round,  and  reduced  gradually  to  the  sec- 
at  A,  B.    Pig.  331  shows  a  section  of  the 


702  The  Automobile  Handbook 

hub  of  another  type  of  wheel,  in  which  the 
radial  depth  of  flanging  is  2i/i  in.,  and  the  axle 
thickness  of  the  wood  is  2^^  in.  This  wheel 
may  be  used  on  a  60  II,  P.  ear,  and  will  serve  as 
a  safe  example  of  depth  of  flanging,  as  well  as 
a  guide  in  fixing  the  shear  section  of  the  spokes 
for  stresses  induced,  when  cars  of  great  power 
skid,  provided  the  wheel  is  not  dished.  Fig. 
333  shows  the  same  spoke  at  its  engagement 
with  the  felloe,  indicating  the  manner  in  which 
the  spoke  is  wedged  into  the  felloe. 


Figure  334  shows  the  Schwarz  type  of  wheel, 
indicatiiifr  the  method  of  overlapping  the  mi- 
ter, Jhus  making  it,  possible  to  true  up  the  wood 
work  independent  of  the  huh.  Fig.  335  shows 
a  section  of  the  huh,  spoke  and  felloe  of  a 
dished  wheel,  and  it  will  be  seen  that  the  fellofi 
is  not  in  the  pinne  of  tho  miter,  and  the  dish  of 
the  whoi'l  IS  iiutward.  When  a  car  is  running 
at  a  coiiiparativcly  high  speed  rounding  a 
onrvi',  the  outer  wheels  are  itressed  in  such  a 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


703 


nner  that  the  tendency  is  to  set  a  dish  in 
m  exactly  opposite  to  the  dish  given  by  the 
eei  maker. 

The  shorter  the  spokes  are,  the  greater  will 
!  dishing  have  to  be  in  order  to  insure  that 
I  spokes  will  be  enough  longer  than  the  radial 


Fig.  335 
ection  of  a  Wheel  Showing  the  Dish,  Which  Has 
Strength  to  Resist  Skidding  and  Lateral  Stresses 

tance  from  the  hub  end  of  the  spokes  to  the 
iring  against  the  felloe,  to  serve  as  members 
compression,  and  the  rim  on  the  felloe  will 
re  to  do  the  work.  As  the  cut  shows,  the  ex- 
a  length  of  spokes  marked  '*  difference, '* 
resents  the  versed  sine  of  the  angle  of  the 
kes. 


704  The  Automobile  Handbook 

WheelB,  Steel-  Steel  is  estensivelj  a 
the  manufacture  of  wheels  for  aut.ni 
These  types  include  steel  disk  wheels  de 
especially  for  trucks;  wheels  with  "Si 
spokes,  built  for  use  on  either  trucks  ot 
mobiles;  also  wire  wheels,  which  will 
scribed  later  on. 

Figure  336 'shows  the  design   and  coi 
tion  of  a  resilient  spring  steel  wheel.     ! 
sists  of  a  spec! 
which   may  be 
or  machined  to 
standard    asle, 
of  single  leaf  ! 
of    specially 
chrome     van. 
steel,  and  a  ri 
holds  the  ends 
!it  !^L.,   „     springs ^   and 
^  serves  as  earr 
the  tire. 

These  springs  or  spokes  are.  carried 
(tenter  bearing,  and  they  carry  the  load 
torsion  at  all  times.  In  the  automobile 
there  are  twelve  of  these  spokes,  eao 
being  made  of  sufficient  width  and 
enough  to  take  care  of  the  load  for  whi( 
designed.  Provision  is  made  for  a  for 
cent  overload  in  the  design  of  the  s 
which  means  that  the  steel  will  nei 
strained  beyond  its  elastic  limit,  Thi 
vision  against  overload  prevents  fracture 


The  AutomoMle  Handbook  705 

spokes  under  load  vibration  or  in  ordinary  road 
travel. 

Wire  Wheels.  The  development  of  the  wire 
wheel  has  been  very  rapid  during  recent  years. 
The  invention  of  the  wire  wheel  created  a 
radical  change  in  the  method  of  load  carrying, 
due  to  the  fact  that,  instead  of  the  compressive 
strain  brought  to  bear  upon  a  few  spokes 
underneath  the  axle,  as  is  the  case  with  the 
ordinary  type  of  wheel,  there  is  a  tensional 
stress  on  a  large  number  of  wire  spokes,  and 
the  weight  is  thus  held  in  suspension  by  the 
wire  wheel  with  its  steel  rim  and  steel  wire 
spokes. 

Although  the  pneumatic  tire  is  a  great  ab- 
sorber of  jolts,  if  the  wheel  strike  an  obstruc- 
tion the  shock  of  which  is  beyond  the  capacity 
of  the  tire  to  absorb,  and  if  the  wheel  is  fitted 
with  rigid  spokes,  this  shock  is  passed  directly 
to  the  axle  and  from  thence  to  the  car  springs, 
and  unless  these  are  equipped  with  efficient 
shock  absorbers,  the  passengers  are  sure  to 
feel  the  effects  of  rough  riding.  On  the  other 
hand  the  spokes  of  the  wire  wheel  all  act  as 
a  complex  yet  effective  shock  absorber,  and 
an  this  way  tend  to  reduce  in  a  large  measure 
the  annoying  effects  of  these  vibrations.  An- 
other advantage  in  connection  with  the  use  of 
wire  wheels  is  that  the  wheel  itself,  owing  to 
its  construction  and  the  nature  of  the  material, 
acts  as  an  effective  tire  cooler,  which  is  not 
the    case    with    the    wooden    wheel,    for    the 


706  The  Automobile  Handbook 

reason  that  the  spokes  of  the  latter  do  not 
tend  to  radiate  the  heat  generated  in  the  tire 
while  running,  consequently  this  heat  must 
radiate  from  the  tire  and  rim  and  the  process 
is  a  very  slow  and  ineffective  one.  Regarding 
the  two  important  features  of  durability  and 
lightness  of  weight,  experience  has  demon- 
strated that  the  wire  wheel  compares  favorably 
with  the  wooden  wheel.  It  is  claimed  that  the 
lightness  of  the  wire  wheel  is  an  important 
fayctor  in  reducing  the  tendency  to  gjo'oscopic 
action,  which  is  always  present  in  wheels  run- 
ning at  high  speeds. 

The  number  of  spokes  in  each  wheel  and 
method  of  their  attachment  to  the  hub  and 
the  rim  vary  according  to  the  ideas  of  the 
designers.  In  some  types  of  wire  wheels  the 
rim  only  is  demountable,  while  other  types 
have  all  the  functions  of  a  demountable  rim 
and  a  demountable  wheel.  The  Lindsay  twin 
wire  wheel  (a  semi-sectional  view  of  which  is 
shown  in  Figure  337)  is  a  notable  example  of 
the  latter  type.  The  component  parts  of  the 
Lindsay  wheel  are  assembled  into  two  complete 
self-contained  sections  or  units,  hence  its  name. 
There  are  eighty  spokes  that  connect  the  rim 
parts  and  hub  parts  together.  The  wheel  as 
a  whole  is  mounted  on  the  inner  fixed  hub  and 
interlocks  with  it,  also  interlocking  with  the 
web  of  the  brake  drum.  The  form  of  structure 
gives  two  rows  of  spokes  laced  in  each  side 
of  the  wheel,  thereby  taking  care  of  the  side 


The  Autwnobile  Handbook  707 

thrust  from  either  side  equally.  The  tire  rim 
is  mounted  between  the  two  conical  felloe 
rims  of  the  two  wheel  sections  and  is  held  in 
place  by  the  rim  bolts,  thus  making  it  secure. 
Since  the  tire  rim  is  secured  in  place  between 


Pig.  337 
Lindsay  Twin  "Wire  Wheel 

the  two  wheel  rims  by  means  of  rim  bolts  it 
is  evident  that  both  wheel  and  tire  rims  will 
expand  and  contract  together.  By  removinp; 
the  rim  bolts  with  a  wrench  and  taking  off 
the  hub  dust  cap,  the  outer  twin  wheel  can  be 
dismounted,  leaving  the  inner  wheel  intact, 
thereby  releasing  the  tire. 

Another  type  of  wire  wheel  is  the  Spranger, 


708 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


a  view  of  which  is  shown  in  Figure  338,  In 
this  wheel  there  are  48  spokes  interlaced  in 
a  simple  cross  system  and  equipped  with  a  de- 
mountable  rim,   which   like   the   demountable 


Fig.  338 
Spranger  Wire  Wheel 


rim  oil  a  wooden  wheel,  can  be  removed  for 
the  cliaHfriiig  of  llie  tire.  The  Spranger  wheel 
itself  is  jiot  <leiiiouiitahle.  and  when  installing 
tlioMc  wheels  on  his  car  the  owner  obtains  a 
ooniplcte  new  set  of  bearings,  brake  drums,  and 


The  Automobile  Handbook  709 

hub  caps.  This  type  of  wheel  has  recently 
come  into  extensive  use  on  the  Ford  and  Chev- 
rolet cars.  In  the  construction  of  the  Spranger 
wire  wheel  a  special  type  of  channel  is  used. 
This  channel  is  of  structural  steel,  and  is  1^ 
inches  in  width  by  %  inch  in  depth,  and  into 
it  the  spokes  are  laced.  The  method  of  lock- 
ing the  rim  to  the  wheel  is  as  follows:  each 
rim  has  six  steel  blocks  securely  riveted  to  it, 
which  prevent  the  rim  from  rising  or  losing 
position,  while  at  the  same  time  there  is  no 
wedging  action. 

In  Figure  339  is  presented  a  view  of  the 
Houk  wire  wheel,  made  by  the  Wire  Wheel 
Corporation  of  America. 

Each  wheel  contains  72  steel  wire  spokes, 
each  of  which,  before  the  wheel  is  assembled, 
is  subjected  to  a  test  and  must  withstand  a 
strain  of  3,200  pounds.  The  spokes  are  ar- 
ranged in  triple  rows  as  will  be  seen  by  the 
illustration,  the  triple  lacing  thus  providing  a 
set  of  spokes  to  take  up  the  strain  from  any 
direction. 

One  end  of  each  wire  spoke  is  securely  riv- 
eted to  the  rim,  while  the  other  end  is  secured 
to  the  hub  in  its  proper  location  also  by  riv- 
eting. It  is  claimed  that  the  interlacing  of 
the  spokes  is  of  such  a  nature  that  three- 
fourths  of  them  are  continuously  in  use,  sup- 
porting the  load  by  suspension.  In  case  of 
tire  trouble,  such  as  a  puncture  or  blowout, 
the  wheel  can  be  removed  in  a  few  minutes 


710  The  Automobile  Handbook 

by  merely  jacking  up  the  ear  and  unscrewing 
(nio  nut.  The  wheel  with  the  damaged  tire 
call  then  be  replaced  by  the  extra  wheel  with  a 
frood  tire. 

Mention  has  already  been  made   of  the  in- 
eruasod  e£6cieney  of  the  wire  wheel  as  a  tire 


Fig.  339 
Ilouk  Wire  Theel 

onolir.  as  (.'ompaivd  with  the  wooden  wheel. 
.\ii(itbi'r  point  In  favor  of  wire  wheels  is  the 
small  ari'a  of  siioke  surface  to  be  acted  upon 
by  Till'  atmoRihlicre  in  its  resistance  to  the 
iiiDVi'iiK'nt  (if  tlic  car.  This  resistance  is  always 
|ii'i>si'iit,  ami  till'  f-'rcatcr  the  area  of  the  surface 
llijil  is  presented  liy  a  moving  body  for  the 
aliiiiisphui'ic  |iressni-e  to  act  upon,  the  greater 
will  be  the  resistance  tending  to  retard  that 
ninvenient. 


INDEX 

[Note:  This  Index  does  not  aim  to  give  a  complete 
list  of  subjects  treated  in  The  Automobile  Handbook. 
The  subjects  grenerally  are  arranged  in  alphabetical 
order  throughout  the  book.  This  index  includes  the 
sub-headings  under  the  principal  general  headings.] 

A 

Page 

Acetylene  gas 9 

Adams   motor 11 

Admission   valves    , , 692 

Air,  compressed,  properties  of 16 

Air-cooling    systems 255 

Air  resistance 20 

Alcohol 22 

Allis-Chalmers  equipment    569 

Alloys,  composition  of 27 

Aluminum    2,6 

Ammeter,  construction  of 28 

Annular    ball    bearings    115 

Anti-freezing  mixture 32 

Armatures,    dynamo 38 

Assembling  a  car 40 

Atwater-Kent  ignition  system 372 

Autogenous  welding 697 

Auto-Lite   equipment    575 

Automobile    driving 42 

Automobile  tools 53 

Axles    67 

front 70 

rear    77 

semi-floating    67 

three-quarter   floating    67,  81 

full  floating 68 

B 

Ball    bearings    109 

Band  clutch 232 

Batteries     86 

dry    87 


The  Automobile  Handbook 

Papre 

storage 91 

storage,  starting  and  lighting  types.  ...  103 

Bearing,  ball 109 

roller    121 

Bearings,    hard    and   soft    117 

Bendix    drive    125 

Berline  or  berlin 134 

Bevel  gear,  differential    267 

Bijur  equipment 578 

Bodies     128 

classification    of    129 

Bosch    equipment    583 

Bosch   magnetos    411 

Brakes    137 

proper  use  of    44 

Brake    linings    142 

Brazing     148 

Breakdowns    and    their    remedies 58 

Chain   broken    68 

Circulating  pump  leakage 58 

Cranking  with  safety 59 

Radiator  leaking 62 

Rods    or   links    broken    64 

Trembler    blades    broken    65 

C 

Cahriolet 136 

('Minshaft    149 

Car])()n    deposit     151 

Car])uretors,   principles  of 154 

float  feed    159 

Hollv,    model    G 170 

Holly,    model    H    167 

inspection     166 

Kingston     173 

Krobs    175 

Master    177 

Rayfield    178 

Sfhebler 185 

spraying     161 

Stromberg    189 

venturi   tube    161 

Zenith 203 

Car  inspection 60 


The  Automobile  Handbook 

Page 
Centrifugal  pump 531 

'hange    speed    gearing    206 

Hutch     230 

Jlutch    troubles 240 

/Ombustion  chamber    244 

/Ombustion,   heat  of    346 

/Ommercial   car  bodies    136 

Commercial   vehicles 130 

Commutators    245 

lompensating   joints 482 

!ompression 248 

lompressed-air  starters 565 

Condenser,   use  of 250 

lone  clutch : 233 

lonnecticut  ignition  system 381 

onstruction  of  engines 278 

ooling  systems    254 

!oupe    135 

D 

^alton's   laws    262 

elco  equipment 585 

elco   ignition  system 386 

•ifferential    gears    264 

isc  valves    678 

isc   clutch    237 

isk  clutch    237 

ixie  Magnetos    428 

on*ts    51 

ouble-disk  friction  drive 209 

riving     42 

ry   batteries    87 

ry  cells  for  ignition 59 

yueto  and  Entz  equipment 607 

E 

Isemann  magneto   432 

Lght-cylinder  engine 308 

lectricity,    forms  of    274 

lectric  gear  shift    511 

lectric  motor  vehicles    516 

Qgines    278 

construction    of 278 

eight   and    twelve-cylinder    types    308 


The  Automobile  Handbook 

Engines   (continued)  Page 

explosive    motors    278 

four-cycle    motor    296 

fuel    consumption     301 

internal    combustion    278 

knight  sliding  sleeve  type 303 

offset    crankshafts    284 

pistons    287 

piston  displacement 289 

pistons,    length   of    289 

piston  materials    288 

piston  position    289 

piston  rings 293 

explosive  motor  engines 278 

two-cycle  motor    298 

F 

Five-plate  clutch 239 

Float    feed    carburetor    159 

Fluxes   for   soldering    547 

Flywheels     320 

Ford  magneto    446 

Four-cycle    motor     296 

Friction  drive 207 

Fuel    consumption     301 

Fuel  feed,  vacuum   327 

G 

Gasoline    pipe    broken    59 

Gear  changing 43 

Gears    341 

Gears,    differential    264 

differential    casing    59 

Gear  shift,  electric 511 

magnetic     509 

Gearless    transmission    341 

Gray   &   Davis  equipment    610 

H 

Herz  magneto    448 

Holly    carburetor,    model    G    170 

Holly   carburetor,    Model    H    167 

Horsepower    350 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


PagB 

Ignition  commutators 246 

Ignition  systems    3GS 

Atwater-Kent     372 

back  flring,   causes  of 83 

induction  coll        3B9 

jump    Fpark    coil    364 

secondary  spark  coll    366 

timing     369 

Ignition,  -wlien  to  advance    49 

Ignition,   when   to   retard    43 

India  rubber    E35 

Induction  coll    359 

Inspection,  carburetor    166 

Internal  combustion  engines 278 


Joints,  compensating    482 

Joints,    knuckle    484 

Joints,  universal   485 

Jump  spark  coll   364 


Kingston    carburetor     173 

Knlgbt  sliding   sleeve  type  engine    303 

Knocking,  locating  cause  of 488 

Knuckle  joints    484 

Krebs'    carburetor    175 


Landaulet  or  landau    134 

Lighting  systems 665 


Lubricntlon    *91 

Lubricating    systems 506 

force  teed    608    . 

force  feed  and  splash 606 

full    force    feed    606 

splash     506 

Ford  flywheel  oiling  system 501 

Hancock  mechanical  oiler 496 

McCord  mechanical  oiler 495 

pierce- Arrow  oiling  system 600 


The  Automobile  Handbook 

M 

Pag-e 

Magnetic  gear   ehift    509 

Magnetic  transmission    224 

Magneto,  Bosch 411 

Dixie 428 

Eisemann    432 

Ford     444,  446 

Herz    448 

Mea 453 

Remy    458 

Simms    465 

Splitdorf    468 

U  and  H    475 

Magneto   type  ignition   system    405 

Bosch   magnetos    411 

Connecticut    381 

Delco    386 

Dixie 428 

Eisemann  Magneto 432 

Ford    446 

Herz    448 

Magneto   type    405 

Mea    453 

Remy    392 

Remy    magneto     458 

Simms     465 

Splitdorf     468 

U  and  H  magneto    475 

Westinghouse     396 

Master    carburetor    177 

Mea    magneto    453 

Miss    fire   cylinder    61 

N 

North    East   equipment    620 

Nuts  and  screws,  how  to  loosen 61 

O 

Offset  crankshaft  engines    284 

Overheating     259 

causes  of    259 

effects  of    261 

remedies    for     261 

Owen  magnetic  transmission •  •  226 


The  Automobile  Handbook 


Passenger    bodies    136 

Pistons     287 

Piston    displacement    2S9 

Pistons,  length  o(    389 

Piston  materials    288 

Piston    position    289 

Pleton   rings    298 

Pitted    valves    678 

Planetary  change   speed   gear    218 

Pounding,   causes  o(    527 

Prelg&ltlon,  causes  of 628 

Priming    62 


Radiator  leaking 62 

Rayfleld  carburetor 178 

Remy  battery  system   '. .  392 

Remy  equipment 621 

Remy  Ignition  system    392 

Remy    magneto     458 

Reversing 44 

Roadster    133 

Rods  or  links  broken    64 

Roller  bearing 121 

Rotary  valves    676 

Runabout 133 

Rusbinore   engine   starter    627 

Rushmore  equipment    627 

RuBhmore  lighting  system 629 


Schebler    carburetor    185 

Secondary  spark  coll    365 

Sedan    134 

Selective  sliding  gear 218 

Semi-floating  rear  axle    67 

Skidding    46 

Shop   klnk3    S36 

Slmms    magneto    466 

Simms-Huff    equipment     630 

Sliding  gear 216 

Sliding  sleeve  type  engine   303 

Spark  Plugs 660 


The  Automobile  Handbook 

Spark,  regulation  of    47 

Spraying    carburetor    161 

Specific    gravity            556 

Speedster  or   raceabout    133 

SpUtdorf-Apelco  e<iulpinent 632 

Splttdorf  magneto 468 

Springs    556 

Squeaking  springs 65 

Starting   and   Hghting   systems    665 

Allls-Ch aimers    equipment    569 

Auto-Lite    equipment    576 

Bllur  equipment   57S 

Bosch  equipment 583 

Compresaed'alr  starters   665 

Delco  equipment    585 

Dyneto  and  Bntz  equipment 607 

Gray  &   Davis  equipment    610 

North    East   equipment    620 

Remy  equipment          621 

Rushmore  equipment   627 

Rushmore   engine  starter    627 

Rushmore  lighting  System 629 

Slmms-Hufl!   equipment    630 

Splitdorf-Apelco    equipment    632 

U.  S.  L.  equipment  .  . . ; 636 

Wagner  equipment 640 

Westinghouse    equipment     645 

Steering  knuckles 75 

Stewart  vacuum   fuel   feed   tank    327 

Storage    batteries    91 

starting  and  lighting  types    103 

Stromberg  carburetor 189 


Taxicab     136 

Timing    369 

Tires,  care  and  repair 662 

Tire  vulcanizing   666 

Tools,    automobile     63 

Torpedo 132 

Touring    car    132 

Town    car    136 

Toy   tonnean    132 

Transrai'islon,    gearless    841 

magnetic    ....•  124 


The  Automobile  Handbook 

Transmission   (continued)  Page 

sliding  gear 220 

Trembler    blades    broken    65 

Truck    bodies .-'TT^IZQ^ 

Twelve-cylinder   engine    308 

Two-cycle  motor 298 

U 

TJ  and  H  magneto 475 

Universal   joints    485 

Useful  hints 544 

U.  S.  Lf.  equipment 636 

V 

Vacuum   fuel   feed 327 

Valves    674 

disc 678 

pitted 678 

rotary 676 

sliding  sleeve  type 303 

Valve    clearance    684 

Valve    grinding     680 

Valves,   inlet,  and   lift  of 689 

Valves,  lead  of 687 

Venturi  tube  carburetor 161 

Vulcanizing   of   tires    666 

W 

Wagner    equipment    640 

Water  circulation    257 

Water  circulating  pump    532 

Water  pump 529 

Welding,   autogenous    695 

Westinghouse    equipment    645 

Westinghouse   ignition   system    396 

Wheels    697 

Z 

Zenith    carburetor    203 


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r 

DRAKE'S  MECHANICAL   BOOKS 

*Htle I  Style  |  Price 

Automobile  Books 

Brookes'  Automobile  Handbook . .  *Lea.    $2.00 

Automobile    Starting   and   Light- 
ing   *Lea.      1.50 

Automobile   Starting   and   Light- 
ing   •Cloth    LOO 

Ford  Motor  Car  and  Truck  and 

Tractor  Attachments *Lea.      1.50 

Ford  Motor  Car  and  Truck  and 

Tractor  Attachments *  Cloth    1.00 

Automobile  Catechism  and  Repair 

Manual *Lea.      1.25 

Practical    Gas    and    Oil    Engine 

Handbook  *Lea.      1.50 

Practical    Gas    and    Oil    Engine 

Handbook  'Cloth    1.00 

Farm  Books 

Farm  Buildings,  With  Plans  and 

Descriptions    *Cloth  $1.00 

Farm  Mechanics *Cloth    1.00 

Traction    Farming   and    Traction 

Engineering    *Cloth     1.50 

Farm  Engines  and  How  to  Run 

Them Cloth    1.00 

Shop  Practice  Books 

Twentieth  Century  Machine  Shop 

Practice    ,', Cloth  $2.00 

Practical  Mechanical  Drawing. . . .   Cloth     2.00 

Sheet  Metal  Workers'  Manual . . .  *Lea.       2.00 

Oxy-Acetylene  Welding  and  Cut- 
ting   *Lea.      1.50 

Oxy-Acetylene  Welding  and  Cut- 
ting  *Cloth     1.00 

20th  Century  Toolsmith  and  Steel- 
worker    Cloth    1.50 

Pattern     Making     and     Foundry 
Practice    Lea.      1.50 

Modern     Blacksmithing,      Horse- 
shoeing and  Wagon  Making...   Cloth     1.00 

NOTE. — New  Books  and  Revised  Editions  are  marked* 


M-  * 


J 


f — 

DRAKE'S  MECHANICAL    BOOKS 

♦Title  I  Style  |  Price 

Steam  Engineering  Books 

Swingle^s  Handbook  for  Steam 
Engineers  and  Electricians ....  *Lea.     $3.00 

Steam  Boilers,  Construction,  Care 
and  Operation    *Lea.      1.50 

Complete  Examination  Questions 
and  Answers  for  Marine  and 
Stationary  Engineers *Lea.      1.50 

Swingle's  Catechism  of  Steam, 
Gas  and  Electrical  Engineering.* Lea.      1.50 

The  Steam  Turbine,  Its  Care  and 

Operation Cloth     1.00 

Calculation  of  Horse  Power  Made 
Easy Cloth       .75 

Railroad  Books 

Modern  Locomotive  Engineering. *Lea.     $3.00 

Locomotive  Fireman's  Boiler  In- 
st ructor *Lea.       1.50 

Locomotive  Engine  Breakdowns 
and  How  to  Repair  Them *Lea.       1.50 

Operation  of  Trains  and  Station 
Work    'Lea.       2.00 

(V)nstrnction  and  Maintenance  of 
Kailwav  Roadbed  and  Track. . .  Lea.       2.00 

First,  Second  and  Third  Year 
Standard  Examination  Ques- 
tions and  Answers  for  Locomo- 
t  ive  Firemen    *Lea.       2.00 

('om})lete  Air  Brake  Examination 

Questions  and  Answers *Lea.       2.00 

Westin<4liouse  Air  Brake  System.   Cloth     2.00 

New  York  Air  Brake  System....   Cloth     2.00 

Walscliaert  Valve  Gear  Break- 
downs   Cloth     1.00 

NOTE. — X«'w  Hooks  an<l  Revised  Editions  are  marked* 


DRAKE'S  MECHANICAL  BOOKS 

*¥iile    '  I  Style  lias 

Carpentry  and  Boilding  Books 

Modern  Carpentry.    Two  volumes.  Cloth  $2.00 

Modem  Carpentry.    Vol,    I Cloth  1.00 

Modern  Carpentiy.    Vol.  II . . .  j . .  Cloth  1.00 

The  Steel  Square.    Two  volumes. .  Cloth  2.00 

The  Steel  Square.   VoL    I Cloth  1.00 

The  Steel  Square.    VoL  II. Cloth  1.00 

A.  B.  C.  of  the  Steel  Square Cloth  M 

Common  Sense  Stair  Building  and 

Handrailing  ^ '., Cloth  LOO 

Modern  Estimator  and  Contrae- 

tor's  Guide ♦Cloth  150 

Light  and  Heavy  Timber  Framing 

Made  Easy Cloth  2.00 

Builders'   .Architectural    Drawing 

Self-taught.... , Cloth  2.00 

Easy  Steps  to  Arehiteetnrei  • . .  • .  Cloth  iJtO 

Five  Orders  of  Architecture Cloth  1.60 

Builders'  and  Contractors'  Gtdde  Cloth  1.60 

Practical  Bungalows  and  Cottages  ♦Cloth  LOO 

Low  Cost  American  Homes ♦Goth  LOO 

Practical  Cabinet  Maker  and  F119-    '  *     . 

niture  Designer •  •  Cloth  2.00 

Practical  Wood  Carving ....  Cloth  L60 

Home  Furniture  Making Cloth  .60 

Concretes,  Cements,  Mortars,  Plas- 
ters and  Stuccos Cloth  L60 

Practical  Steel  Construction Cloth  ,76 

20th  Century  Bricklayer  and  Ma- 
son's Assistant Cloth  L60 

Practical  Bricklaying  Self-taught.  Cloth  1.00 

Practical  Stonemasonry Cloth  LOO 

Practical  Up-to-date  Plumbing .^. .  .Cloth  1.50 
Hot  Water  Heating,  Steam  and 

Gas  Fitting Cloth  1.50 

Practical     Handbook     for     Mill- 
wrights    , Cloth  2.00 

Boat  Building  for  Amateurs Cloth  1.00 


NOTE. — New  Books  and  Reyiaed  Editions  are  marked* 


DRAKE'S  MECHANICAL 

.   BOOKS 

1  style  1  Price 

♦Title 

Painting  Books 

Art  of  Sign  Painting 

•Cloth  $3.00 

Scene  Painting  and  Bulletin  Art. . 

•Cloth 

3.00 

"A  Show  at"  Sho^Cards 

Cloth 

3.00 

Strong's  Book  of  Designs 

•Lea. 

3.00 

Signist's  Modern  Book  of  Alpha- 
bets     

Cloth 

1.50 

Amateur  Artist 

Cloth 

1.00 

Modern  Painter's  Cyclopedia 

Cloth 

1.50 

Red  Book  Series  of  Trade  School 

Manuals — 

1.  Exterior     Painting,      Wood, 
Iron  and  Brick 

Cloth 

.60 

2.  Interior  Painting,  Water  and 
Oil  Colors 

Cloth 

.60 

3.  Colors    

Cloth 

.60 

4.  Graining  and  Marbling 

Cloth 

.60 

5.  Carriage  Painting 

Cloth 

.60 

6.  The  Wood  Finisher 

Cloth 

.60 

New  Hardwood  J^'inishing 

Cloth 

1.00 

Automobile  Painting 

•Cloth 

1.25 

Estimates,     Costs     and     Profits — 
House    Painting    and    Interior 
Decorating 

•Cloth 

1.00 

NOTE. — New  T.ooks  and  Revisod  Editions  are  marked*       | 

"N 


DRAKE'S  HOME ' STUDY  BOOKS 

♦Title  I  Style  |  Price 

General  Instruction  and  Reference  Books 

Putney's  Law  Library 

(12  volumes) Buckram  $60.00 

Bookkeeping  Self-taught Cloth    1.00 

Complete  Courses  in  Bookkeeping, 
Including  Blank  Books  and 
Supplies  Cloth    7.50 

Elementary  Chemistry  Self-taught  Cloth    1.00 

Picture  Making  for  Pleasure  and 
Profit    Cloth    1.25 

Complete  Courses  in  Civil  Service.  Cloth    1.25 

Felt's  Parliamentary  Procedure . .  Cloth      .60 

McClure's  Horse,  Cattle  and  Sheep 
Doctor 'Cloth    1.25 

Practical  Lessons  in  Hypnotism 
and  Magnetism Paper     .50 

Practical  Lessons  in  Hynotism 
and  Magnetism  Cloth    1.00 

Chadman's  Dictionary  of  Law. . . .  i  Lea.  6.00 

Modern  Magician's  Handbook. . . .  Cloth    1.50 

White  House  Handbook  of  Ora- 
tory    Cloth    1.00 

Standard  Cyclopedia  of  Receipts.  Cloth    1.25 

American  Star  Speaker  and  Elo- 

cutionist   Cloth    1.25 

Swimming  and  Life  Saving Paper     .30 

Words  as  They  Look  (Webster's 

System    of    Memorizing    Easy 

and  Difficult  Words) Cloth      .50 

Astrology  (Were  You  Bom  Under 

a  Lucky  Star?) Cloth    1.00 


NOTE. — New  Books  and  Revised  Editions  are  marked 


J 


DRAKE'S  HQME-STUDY  BOOKS 

♦Title  I  Style  |  Price 

General  Instruction  and  Reference  Boc^cs 

Ropp's  Calculator — 

Style  A.     Large    Size. . .  .Moroccoline    1.25 

Style  B.    With   Flap Leather 1.00 

Style  C.     Pocket  Size. ..  .Moroccoline      .50 
Style  D.    Vest  Pocket. .  .Leather 50 

Albertus  Magnus    (Egyptian  Se- 
crets)   Cloth    1.00 

Sixth  and  Seventh  Books  of  Moses.  Cloth  1.00 

Drinks  as  They  Are  Mixed Cloth  .25 

Drinks  as  They  Are  Mixed Lea.  .50 

Guide  to  Successful  Auctioneering.  Paper  .25 

Safe  Methods  of  Stock  Specula- 
tion     Cloth      .50 

Gypsy    Witch    Fortune     Telling 

Cards    Per  Pack      .50 

Mrs.  Parker's  Monologues  and  Flays 

Monologues,  Stories,  Jingles  and 

Plays  'Cloth  $1.00 

New  Monologues  and  Dialect  Sto- 
ries      Cloth    1.00 

Mary  Moncure  Parker's  Plays — 

Powder  and  Patches Paper  .25 

When  Your  Wife's  Away Paper  .25 

Love  Behind  the  Scenes Paper  .15 

Mrs.  Gadabout's  Busy  Day. ....  Paper  .15 

Black  Art Paper  .15 

A     Day    at     the     Know-It-AU 

Woman's  Club Paper  .25 

The  Rehearsal Paper  .15 

The  Princess  Innocent Paper  ,15 

A  Quiet  Evening  at  Home Paper  J.5 

A  Colonial  Dream Paper  .15 

NOTE. — X(^w  Books  and  Revised  Editions  are  marked* 


Speakers         _  ^.     ^ 

"^                       Cloth  Paper 

Comic  Recitations  and  Readings.  .$0.50  $0.25 

Conundrums  and  Riddles 50  .25 

Complete  Debaters'  Manual 50  .25 

MjcBride's  Latest  Dialogues .50  .25 

Little  Folk's  Dialogues  and  Dra- 
mas         .50        .25 

Little  Folk's  Speaker  and  Enter- 
tainer      .50        .25 

Patriotic  Readings  and  Recitations    .50        .25 

Toasts  and  After  Dinner  Speeches    .50        .25 

Practical  Ventriloquism 50        .25 

Etiquette  and  Letter  Writers 

Because  I  Love  You $0.50    $0.25' 

Practical    Etiquette    and    Society 
Guide .50        .25 

Brown's    Business    Letter   Writer 

and  Social  Forms. .50        .25 

North's  Book  of  Love  Letters  and 

How  to  Write  Them .50        .25 

Modern  Quadrille  Call  Book  and 

Complete  Dancing  Master 50        .25 

Standard  Drill  and  Marching  Book    .50        .25 

Card  and  Sleight  of  Hand  Books 

Card  Sharpers — Their  Tricks  Ex- 
posed   $0.50     $0.25 

The    Book    of    Card    Tricks    and 
Sleight  of  Hand 50        .25 

Card  Tricks— How  to  Do  Them. . .     .50        .25 

Tricks  with  Coins 50        .25 

The  Expert  at  the  Card  Table 50        .25 

Hermann's    Book    of   Magic    and 
Black  Art 50        .25 


V. 


Froderiek  J.  Drako  ft  Company's 

CATALOGUE  OF 

Standard  Up-to-Date  Hand  Books  on 
the  following  Subjects: 

Dialogues,  Recitattons,  Tableaux, 

Charades,  Pantomimes,  Mock  Trials, 

Bffonologiies,  Drills,  Marches,  Minstrel 
and  Entertainment  Books,  Magio, 
Palmistry,  Hypnotism,  Black  Atfl» 
Blectricity,  Speakers,  Poultry* 
fietter  Writers,  Dream  Books, 

Fortune  Tellers,  Popular  Dramas, 
Photography,  Btiquette,  Danoing, 
EtOt  EtOt  EStc  E:to« 


Bach  book  in  this  list  is  the  work  of  a  com* 
petent  specialist,   and  will  be  found  reliablet 


■zm 


ikny  Book  Advertised  in  This  Catalogue  Sent 
Postpaid,  on  B>eceipt  of  Price. 
l^RBDBRICK  J.  DRAKE  A  CO. 


Twentieth  Century 
Machine  Shop  Practice 

By  L.  ELLIOTT  BROOKES 


•r.:Bs 

a u Iter  lo 

v 

8seo 

12mo,  cloth,  636  page*,  456  fine  [tlustnlioiu,  price,  f2J)0 

Sold  by  Bookxillen  aenenlly.  or  Kst  poMpaid  to 

iny  iddroiuppn  receipt  of  Price  by  thePuUi^cn 

FREDERICK  J,  DRAKE  &  CO. 

PUBUSHERS  CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 


The  Practical  Gas  & 
Oil  Engine  hand-book 


AMAVVAL  o f  nssrnl  iif 

This  work  glvaa  (nil   and 
clesi  instracliona  on  all  pclnti 


Potisble  and  Matina,  Gaa  ud 
Oil  Enzines.  includinc  How  to 
SiarE,  Hc>wtoS[oD.HotTlaAd- 
Jnat,  HoK  to  Repair.  How  Eo 
Test 

PoekM  aiu,  «i6H. 
232  pssss.    With  namoToni 
rules  and  fflrnmlaa   aad  dit 
'EFams.  uidaver70illDBtrUion 

Iboi-  of  the  "Cooatmcdon  of  a 
Gasolina  Motor."  and  Ihs  "An- 
iomobilB  Hand-Book." 

This  book  has  oaen  wrllteD 
with  the  inlcDtioa  ot  tuiDiahinl 
practical  inform 

In  their  conelructiDn,  operatlaD  and  m 


tfcmo.     PopulB.r  Edition-Cloth.     Price. 
Edition  do  Luxe-Full  Lea.tl>ar  LUnih 

'  Mm!  !.'.'.' 

$1.00 

1.50 

Sen)  Poslpald  to  any 

Minn  in  th«  World  upon  ilMOlpI  of  Pfic* 

FREDERICK  J.  DRAKE  &  CO. 

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